As the Sea to Sky transit strike looks set to break the record for longest transit strike in B.C. history, Victoria has appointed a special mediator that will work with the two sides for up to 10 days in the hopes of striking a deal.
Special mediator Vince Ready was appointed only a day after Unifor Local 114 members turned down the latest offer proposed by employer and BC Transit contractor Pacific Western Transportation (PWT) in a narrow 36-32 vote. Now, the parties will have 10 days to come to a mediated settlement. If a deal cannot be reached in that time, Ready will offer his non-binding recommendations that Unifor has already agreed to put to a vote to its members.
“After two years of bargaining and failed sessions with a mediator, it’s clear a more structured process is necessary,” said Gavin McGarrigle, Unifor Western regional director, in a release. “We look forward to making submissions to the mediator about the high cost of living and wage disparities.”
Pique will have more on this story in Thursday's print edition.
