Unifor and Transdev have agreed to accept a provincial mediator’s recommendations, ending the months long Cowichan Valley bus strike – the longest transit strike in BC History.
The unionized Transdev employes went on strike February 8th, 2025, seeking wage parity with other BC transit employees.
In early September, Labour Minister Jennifer Whiteside announced that Vince Ready had been appointed as a special mediator.
On September 16, Unifor members voted 92 per cent in favour of accepting Ready’s recommendations, which are expected to be released in the coming weeks.
The strike involved 44 transit operators, cleaners and mechanics represented by Unifor Local 114 and eight HandyDart operators in Unifor Local 333.
Union members are being recalled immediately to begin the return-to-work plan.
Unifor says buses have been idle for months and will need to be made safe and road-ready, and BC Transit will determine when service resumes.
Unifor Western Regional Director Gavin McGarrigle stays the cycle of transit strikes has to stop
“We have to continue to work with the BC government and BC Transit to address issues that lead to these disputes.”
The strike idled all BC Transit buses in the region, including express service to Victoria.
The number 70 NCX Nanaimo-to-Cowichan Express was not affected.
At the start of job action, BC Transit said handyDART service deemed essential, such as appointments related to renal dialysis, cancer treatment and multiple sclerosis, would continue to operate.
