Unifor has asked the British Columbia Labour Relations Board to assign a mediator to stalled negotiations with Transdev, the employer of striking Cowichan Valley transit workers.
Talks between the two sides broke down again after meeting on Feb. 27, with wages and benefits remaining key sticking points. Unifor members, who include transit operators, cleaners and mechanics, have been on strike since Feb. 8.
“We want to ensure our members get the respect they deserve in a collective agreement, which is why it’s now necessary to have a mediator come in to help us get to the finish line,” said Gavin McGarrigle, Unifor’s western regional director.
The union has also raised concerns about working conditions, including access to adequate washroom facilities and sufficient break times for drivers.
“Our members want to get back to work, but with what is likely to be economic bumpy times ahead, they need improved wages and benefits to help cushion the blow,” McGarrigle said.
Unifor Local 114 represents 44 workers at Transdev, while Local 333BC represents eight HandyDART accessible transit operators. The union has been in negotiations with the employer since spring 2024. Members voted unanimously in November to take strike action.
Unifor represents 21,000 workers in the road transportation sector, including 7,600 transit operators and skilled trades staff in urban transit. The union, which represents 320,000 workers across Canada’s private sector, is calling on Transdev to return to bargaining with a fair offer to end the dispute.
