Work action on buses, SeaBus expected to continue after relatively uneventful long weekend
Credit to Author: Gordon McIntyre| Date: Tue, 12 Nov 2019 00:24:06 +0000
Expect bus and SeaBus service to be like it was before the long weekend as a shortened work week begins.
Negotiators from Unifor, the union representing TransLink drivers, maintenance workers, SeaBus workers and transit operators, imposed a media blackout Monday in honour of Remembrance Day, but a source said expect Friday’s status quo.
“We’re not making any statements, we’re respecting Remembrance Day,” said the source, who asked not to be identified because of the blackout. “Just let me say probably nothing will happen (Tuesday) morning that’s any different from Friday. There probably will be cancellations, but nothing more than was parked on Friday.”
The union will have an update around 10 a.m. on Tuesday, the source said.
On Friday, TransLink said 25 bus routes in Metro Vancouver had been cancelled during the morning rush, routes the company described as high-frequency.
The company was waiting for Tuesday morning to know what impact there would be on buses and the SeaBus as the four-day workweek begins.
At the moment, conventional bus drivers start at $22.83 an hour during a 30-day training period, then go from $24.46 an hour ($50,877 a year) to $32.61 an hour ($67,829 a year) after 24 months of employment. Those driving 40- and 60-foot buses get benefits that include medical, vision and dental, a pension plan and family bus passes.
Unifor is seeking an increase of 15.2 per cent compounded over four years for bus drivers and 16.7 per cent compounded over four years for maintenance workers. It’s also asking for improved benefits and better working conditions, including a guaranteed minimum break time for drivers while they’re on shift.
The company is offering 9.6 per cent compounded over four years.
Coast Mountain Bus Company (CMBC), the wholly owned subsidiary of TransLink that operates bus services in Metro, has said the union’s request would work out to an added $680 million in costs over 10 years, while the company’s offer would mean an increase of $71 million over 10 years.
“As for negotiations, nothing has changed,” a Coast Mountain spokeswoman said via email Monday. “CMBC has formally requested the union return to the bargaining table and it has refused. CMBC has invited the union to take part in mediation on several occasions and the union has repeatedly refused.
“CMBC is also prepared to further address working conditions. That’s the CMBC stance. You can’t negotiate a deal when no one is talking, and CMBC wants to be back at the table as soon as possible.”