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VERNON/SALMON ARM, BC—Unifor Local 114 members at First Canada in Vernon and the Shuswap Communities, in B.C. have voted overwhelmingly to strike if a fair collective agreement cannot be negotiated in the coming weeks.

“As we saw in the Sea to Sky region, transit workers are determined to achieve collective agreements that reflect their contribution to local economies,” said Gavin McGarrigle, Unifor Western Regional Director.

OSHAWA—Wage gains and new positions are highlights of a new collective agreement ratified Sunday by Unifor Local 222 members working at Durham Regional Transit (DRT).

“The committee achieved improvements to transit workers’ work-life balance,” said Len Poirier, Unifor National Secretary-Treasurer. “This contract looks to the future of public transportation in Durham from the perspective of job security and improving the experience for community members.”

TORONTO—Inadequate progress at the bargaining table will lead to strike votes at the Loomis Express job sites across Canada represented by Unifor. Loomis Express is owned by TransForce International (TSE:TFI).

“TransForce has created instability for workers with widespread contracting out,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National Secretary-Treasurer. “We will address this at the bargaining table or we’ll address it on the picket line—it’s up to the employer.”

VANCOUVER—Container truck drivers’ concerns are being ignored as the Port of Vancouver forces through a program to retire trucks arbitrarily, says Unifor.

“The program is a farce. Not only does it ignore the financial concerns of truck drivers, it exempts more than 98% of trucks on B.C.’s roads,” said Gavin McGarrigle, Unifor Western Regional Director. “It’s ‘greenwashing’ at its worst. The Port’s plan imposes massive costs on truckers and will have no real effect on emissions.”

The federal Ministry of Labour’s ongoing inspections to uncover violations of new laws to protect truck drivers are important for maintaining good wages and preventing fraud, says Unifor.

VANCOUVER—A ground-breaking Cost of Living Adjustment was a key factor for Unifor Local 114 members who voted today to ratify a new contract with PW Transit, effectively ending the longest transit strike in B.C. history.

“We were successful at closing an unacceptable wage inequality between transit workers in Vancouver and the Sea to Sky region,” said Gavin McGarrigle, Unifor Western Regional Director. “Local 114 members are eager to return to serving the communities of Squamish, Whistler, and Pemberton.”

VANCOUVER—After the latest rejection of the employer’s offer by the Unifor Local 114 membership, the parties have agreed to the province's appointment of Vince Ready as a special mediator.

“After two years of bargaining and failed sessions with a mediator, it’s clear a more structured process is necessary,” said Gavin McGarrigle, Unifor Western Regional Director. “We look forward to making submissions to the mediator about the high cost of living and wage disparities.”

VANCOUVER—The bargaining committee from Unifor Local 114 has signed a tentative agreement with B.C. Transit third-party contractor PW Transit during a mediated session of negotiations today.