Image: Mike Vanden Bosch / PML / Route 54 sits at Cottonwood Mall in Chilliwack in mid-2022. The company contracted to provide bus service in Chilliwack and Abbotsford, First Transit, is defending itself on the eve of a three-day strike by unionized bus drivers that will see no bus service occur in Chilliwack Thursday through Saturday. First Transit says it has offered "significant wage increases" to its unionized bus operators, but hasn't disclosed any numerical figures.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

First Transit

First Transit says it has offered “significant wage increases” as B.C. Transit drivers strike

Mar 8, 2023 | 11:20 AM

CHILLIWACK — First Transit, the company contracted to provide bus service to Fraser Valley communities including Chilliwack, is defending itself on the eve of a three-day planned strike by CUPE Local 561 bus operators.

Unionized bus operators are set to walk off the job and not render bus service Thursday morning, March 9 through Saturday evening, March 11.

In a statement released Thursday morning through the company, and supplied by a B.C. Transit spokesperson, First Transit says it has presented CUPE Local 561 with substantial salary increases as it reiterates its commitment to the collective bargaining process and constructive negotiations.

“Last week, First Transit presented CUPE Local 561 with an offer that would see significant wage increases on par with trends across the province, as well as structural improvements to enhance reliability of service,” First Transit wrote in a statement. “First Transit feels strongly that its offer balances the needs of all stakeholders in the Fraser Valley’s transit system with our desire to ensure we are able to continue to attract and retain skilled and talented workers. Our lines of communication remain open, and we are hopeful that we can reach a negotiated solution that prevents further service interruptions.”

It’s not clear if CUPE Local 561 has responded publicly to the proposed wage increase.

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The job action includes withdrawing all services in Chilliwack, Abbotsford, surrounding communities, and the Fraser Valley Express. First Transit says it’s working to ensure that HandyDART services will not be impacted.

“Although the three-day withdrawal services is not currently expected to impact HandyDART, First Transit is working to mitigate service disruptions and has agreements in place to ensure that essential services for certain HandyDART riders continue to be provided,” the company said in a prepared statement. “Essential services include HandyDART transportation for renal dialysis, cancer treatment, and multiple sclerosis treatment.”

The company apologized for the corresponding service reduction and the impact the three-day strike will have on its riders.

“We thank Fraser Valley residents for their patience and understanding, and join with B.C. Transit in apologizing for the impacts any loss of service caused by CUPE Local 561 will have,” the company wrote in its statement.