The deadline for a new strike is approaching.
The Metro Vancouver transit strike, which includes the suspension of bus and SeaBus services, could return this weekend, but commuters may still be unable to use other transit services.
CUPE 4500, the union representing some transit supervisors, has not reached an agreement with its employer, Coast Mountain Bus Company (CMBC), on wage and workload issues.
The B.C. government has appointed veteran mediator Vince Reddy to help the parties reach an agreement, but if no agreement is reached, the union could expand its mandate.
Will unions go on strike if they don’t get permission to picket the SkyTrain?
If no agreement is reached after midnight on Friday, February 3, the union plans to proceed with a 72-hour strike on all CMBC Bus and SeaBus routes.
Even if picketing of the SkyTrain, Canada Line, and West Coast Express is not allowed, the union intends to move forward with its labor movement. They have already been granted access to Pickett CMBC services.
When will commuters learn about SkyTrain’s decision?
The union, along with TransLink and several of its branches, including CMBC and ProTrans, will meet with the BC Labor Relations Board (BCLRB) on Wednesday, January 31 at 9:30 a.m. to announce a strike involving SkyTrain. We talked about expanding our actions. Canada Line and West Coast Express.
Gregory Taylor, a spokesperson for CUPE 4500, told VIA that a public hearing was held regarding the union’s Section 2 Labor Relations Act. 68 Complaint is ongoing.
The board cannot make a decision until Wednesday or before the union takes its next steps.
The scope and location of picketing will be determined by the union and approved by the BCLRB.
When will the strike end? Can there be another strike after that?
After a 72-hour strike, transport services are scheduled to resume shortly after midnight on February 6th. However, there is always the possibility that the union may extend this strike period or further escalate its labor activities.
Will Uber and Lyft plan to cap surge prices if there is another strike?
With no buses on the road, prices for Uber and Lyft services soared, and the surge in demand left many people unable to hail a taxi or access Evo car share.
Demand for ride-hailing, taxi and car-sharing services will increase even more if commuters are unable to use the SkyTrain or Canada Line.
In response to consumer backlash, Uber and Lyft placed temporary caps on prices during the last strike. It’s unclear whether Uber would implement the same policy if another strike occurs, but Uber told VIA it responded during the previous strike by allocating more drivers to meet demand.
When did the union begin hiring activities?
CUPE 4500 traffic supervisors implemented an overtime ban starting January 6, affecting several traffic operations in the network. Unions say the ban on overtime has had a significant impact on services, as workers often work outside normal hours to keep the system running smoothly.
Starting at 3 a.m. on Monday, January 22, the union began picketing all CMBC bus and SeaBus routes during a two-day transportation strike. CMBC operates 97% of TransLink’s bus routes.
Why do labor unions strike?
Wages are a central issue in negotiations. The union wants supervisors to be paid the same as SkyTrain field supervisors, but CMBC said the latter’s role is unique because they are responsible for directly managing employees. ing.
CMBC said the supervisor was offered a 13.5% salary increase over three years starting on January 1, 2023, when his previous three-year contract expires.
This would increase the transportation supervisor’s salary from $92,415 to $104,886.
The company said the union’s offer was $115,477, a 25% increase.
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With files from Graeme Wood