PWTransit workers overwhelmingly reject employer's latest offer

VANCOUVER, BC, Nov. 28, 2023 /CNW/ - Unifor members working at Pacific Western Transportation (PWTransit) in Comox Valley and Campbell River, B.C. have rejected the latest contract offer by 86% after the company did not close the gap to address issues of wage disparity, scheduling, and overtime language.

Members spoke out clearly at ratification meetings held Nov. 26 and voted to reject this tentative agreement.

Unifor is committed to meeting with the company to address the issues raised by Local 114 members, who have been in a legal strike position as of Nov. 19.

Local 114 members are seeking a comparable compensation package to similar-sized transit operations on Vancouver Island and elsewhere in the province. The company offer did not close that gap.

Local 114's contract with PWT expired March 31, 2023.

PWT is contracted by BC Transit to provide services in Campbell River and Comox Valley, B.C. and work as transit operators, handy dart operators, mechanics, and cleaners.

Unifor represents 20,000 members across the road transportation sector, including 6,500 transit operators and skilled trades staff working in urban transit.

Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing 315,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad and strives to create progressive change for a better future.

SOURCE Unifor