Fraser Valley – The 124 day BC Transit strike is drawing to a close.
On Monday July 17, a number of media outlets reported that there may be movement towards ending one of British Columbia’s longest-ever transit strikes.
It appears that is the case.
Early Friday evening July 21, FVN received a copy of the CUPE 561 letter stating that the drivers endorsed the deal by almost two thirds and the picket lines are coming down. CUPE 561 now waits for the employer, First Transit, to respond.
It will still take some time for buses to be back on the road.
The bus drivers union has asked for patience from all sides.
UPDATE – CUPE media release –
In votes held after membership meetings Friday, CUPE 561 transit workers have ratified a mediated settlement with First Transit, ending a strike that began 124 days ago. Picket lines are being taken down, and the 213 transit workers will begin the return-to-work process.
The six-year agreement, which ends on March 31, 2026, narrows the wage gap with other transit workers in the region while introducing a pension plan that takes effect next spring. The union says it’s a step in the right direction and recognizes the importance of these members’ work.
NOTE The union was without a contract since 2020.
“Our members needed a lift, and with this agreement they got one,” said CUPE 561 President Randy Kootte.
“Special Mediator Vince Ready’s recommendations were a fair compromise, providing us with a foundation for future rounds of bargaining. By ratifying this memorandum of settlement, the members agree that this contract is a good start in addressing their concerns.”
As well as appreciating the Special Mediator’s efforts, Kootte thanked Fraser Valley residents for their constant support of the union’s bargaining goals from the beginning of the strike.
“We cannot thank our communities enough for supporting us in our struggle to achieve wage fairness and retirement security—and showing that support despite the many hardships and inconveniences people had to endure as the dispute dragged on,” he said.
Kootte added that the union will do everything it can to quickly resume service in the Fraser Valley and will work with the employer to make sure that buses are running as soon as possible.
