The provincial government says they won’t get involved in the strike affecting public transit in the Cowichan Valley.
Transit workers in Unifor Local 114 went on strike on Feb. 8, with the intention of fighting for higher wages, improved working conditions and better retirement packages from employer Transdev.
Minister of Labour Jennifer Whiteside says the strike is hurting everyone who relies on transit across the Valley.
“People who rely on the Cowichan Valley Regional Transit System are counting on parties to reach an agreement as soon as possible,” she says. “Any disruption to transit services can have a significant impact on the people that rely on this system every day.”
She says the government is hopeful negotiations will remain open, and that both sides will continue to try and end the strike.
“The best, most lasting agreements are negotiated at the bargaining table and the Ministry of Labour strongly urges both sides to return to the table to get a deal done,” she says. “Our government fully supports the collective bargaining process, and it’s important to let that process continue without interference.”
According to a media release, a total of 44 transit workers from Unifor Local 114 and eight HandyDART transit workers from Unifor Local 333BC are on strike.
