UPDATE – A short one-day strike by West Vancouver bus drivers has apparently ended – this according to the latest press release from the District of West Vancouver tonight at 8:36pm. The deal, as outlined below, must still be ratified in a vote on Thursday but all regularly scheduled service is expected to return to normal Tuesday, October 25, 2016:
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Blue Bus strike over as District of West Vancouver and transit union reach agreement
Monday, October 24, 2016, West Vancouver, BC – Talks between the District of West Vancouver and the union representing Blue Bus transit workers have resulted in a deal reached this evening. Full Blue Bus service resumes tomorrow.
“We are pleased that the people who rely on Blue Bus will no longer be affected by this strike, and that service will be returning to normal on Tuesday,” said District communications director Jeff McDonald.
The deal is tentative and must be ratified by the Amalgamated Transit Union membership in a Thursday vote.
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West Vancouver bus riders could be in for a tough day Monday as the transit union has issued a full scale strike notice which they plan on putting into effect for the morning commute.
A Press Release issued by the government at the District of West Vancouver on Sunday October 23, 2016 at 8:18pm reads as follows:
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Mediator books out as transit union rejects District of West Vancouver offer, plans full strike for tomorrow
Sunday, October 23, 2016, West Vancouver, BC – Mediated talks between the District of West Vancouver and the Transit Union have not resulted in an agreement. The Amalgamated Transit Union has announced plans for a full strike on Monday, October 24.
The District of West Vancouver made significant movement in talks today, and believed that an agreement could be reached and a full strike could have been avoided. “We understand that a transit strike is extremely inconvenient for many people,” said District communications director Jeff McDonald. “By proceeding with this unnecessary strike, the transit union will be causing hardship for those who depend on Blue Bus, especially students and seniors.”
The District came to the negotiating table today with a fair offer including a salary adjustment and other benefits comparable to the contract accepted by Coast Mountain Bus Company workers earlier this year. Despite the transit union’s claims, the District had not asked for any concessions to existing benefits.
Last week, the transit union implemented a ban on overtime, causing trip cancellations and inconvenience for many passengers.
