A special mediator has been appointed to address the continued transit strike in the Cowichan Valley and reach a settlement.
The strike started on February 8, and according to Minister of Labour Jennifer Whiteside has left the region at a standstill with people unable to access everyday services.
“To help the parties resolve the ongoing labour dispute, I have appointed Vince Ready as a special mediator,” she says. “He has vast experience in labour relations and is renowned for his success in helping employers and unions reach agreements.”
Whiteside says Ready is ready to resolve the dispute that has been going on for far too long and it’s time to put an end to the strike with the help of all involved.
“This appointment provides a path for parties to work through their differences, and I appreciate their willingness to engage in this process,” she says.
Parties are expected to meet and resolve the issue, but Whiteside says a time limit will be imposed for a quick and fair resolution.
“Work will begin immediately to help the parties reach a settlement,” she says. “If a settlement isn’t reached between the parties within 10 days, the special mediator (Ready) will submit recommendations to the minister and the parties.”
Whiteside says she expects recommendations to be fair and transparent to resolve the dispute, and in the best interest of all involved.
The strike is the longest-running transit strike in the province, and has prompted letters of concern from residents, charitable organizations and municipal governments in the Cowichan Valley concerning its impact.
