Transit workers in Metro Vancouver have begun contract negotiations with Coast Mountain Bus Company, with cost of living pressures and health and safety issues among the key priorities raised on the first day of talks.
Unifor Locals 111 and 2200, representing nearly 5,000 workers, are negotiating jointly with the company, a subsidiary of TransLink. The current collective agreement expires March 31, 2026.
Local 111 represents 3,866 conventional and community shuttle transit operators. Local 2200 represents 1,002 members in skilled trades, service, and SeaBus operations, including mechanics, service attendants, and cleaners.
Wages and working conditions
Transit operators are seeking improved wages and changes to scheduling practices that they say limit their ability to take breaks or access washrooms during shifts, according to Unifor.
“Transit operators are responsible for the safety of hundreds of thousands of people every day,” said Gavin McGarrigle, Unifor Western Regional Director. “This round of bargaining is about respecting the realities of the work, protecting workers from burnout, and ensuring public transit remains safe and reliable for the communities it serves.”
Local 2200 is focused on aligning wages with other skilled trades workers at TransLink.
Technology concerns
The union is also raising concerns about workplace monitoring and technological changes, including the introduction of autonomous vehicles in bus yards and the expansion of electric vehicle fleets.
“As technology evolves, so must protections for workers–including safeguards around data collection and monitoring, adequate recovery time between shifts, and basic access to washrooms,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President.
Both locals are seeking the creation of retiree benefits.
Unifor represents 320,000 workers in the private sector across Canada.
