Bus drivers in the Comox Valley and Campbell River could go on strike Sunday morning.
That’s when PW Transit drivers represented by Unifor Local 114 will be in legal strike position. However, union reps say they are still trying to negotiate a contract that addresses the wage disparity with drivers in similar-sized communities. The difference is around $4.50 per hour and PWTransit, which operates under contract with BC Transit, has not offered to close the gap.
“Unifor is committed to fighting vigorously for our transit members working in Comox and Campbell River, B.C.,” said Unifor Western Regional Director Gavin McGarrigle. “Our members deserve fairness when it comes to doing the same work and driving the same equipment. They should be making the same wages as transit workers in other parts of the province.”
The union has committed to giving riders as much notice as possible of any job action, and the bargaining committee will meet with the company on Nov. 20 and 21.
Local 114’s contract with PWT expired March 31, 2023. Members voting overwhelmingly in favour of job action in a strike vote held in September.
The company has been dealing with a driver shortage during the past year, causing frequent route cancellations.
