TransLink stays mum after bus drivers, SeaBus operators vote to strike
Posted April 29, 2016 10:58 am.
Last Updated April 29, 2016 11:43 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – We will not negotiate through the media.
That’s all TransLink Chief Executive Kevin Desmond is saying after a strike vote from SeaBus operators and Coast Mountain bus drivers last night.
“We are committed to reaching a mutally acceptable deal with the union. We want to keep service on the road. I think the union wants to keep service on the road and keep public confidence and public support for the system,” says Desmond.
More than 4,500 bus drivers, and maintenance and trades workers are calling for better wages, work schedules and benefits. Unifor Local 111 has previously said in the past five years, the system has been crunched with additional riders and traffic.
Desmond says he has met with the union leadership and is hoping for a positive resolution.
Coast Mountain says while the result of the strike vote was a “yes,” the union has not given any indication of providing strike notice and it doesn’t expect any disruption to service at this time.
