Image: M. Vanden Bosch / Fraser Valley Today / File

By Fraser Valley Today Staff

Transit Strike

Greens call on government to act to end Fraser Valley transit strike

May 14, 2023 | 6:20 AM

VICTORIA — The BC Green Caucus has called on B.C.’s NDP government to take steps to end the outsourcing of essential public services to for-profit corporations and to ensure that public workers in the province receive a living wage.

In a news release, Sonia Furstenau, Leader of the B.C. Greens, says the ongoing transit strike in the Fraser Valley has underscored the need for the government to put an end to the outsourcing practice.

Furstenau said that for seven weeks, thousands of people have been unable to use public transit to get to work or school, causing widespread frustration among Fraser Valley residents. According to CUPE 561 officials, bus drivers in the Fraser Valley are paid 32 percent less than their counterparts in neighboring regions and work long standby hours for less than $3 an hour, with no pension plan.

“These workers are underpaid and overworked, and they are now on the picket line asking for fair wages and fair treatment,” Furstenau said.

She added that the situation was a direct result of the government’s outsourcing of public operations to for-profit corporations without adequate safeguards. Although the buses in the Fraser Valley are owned by B.C. Transit, they are operated by a private company that she claims, is nickel-and-diming its workers. Furstenau says despite the workers’ requests for fair treatment, the employer has not stepped up to negotiate, and the government has remained silent on this issue.

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“This government must take action to put an end to the corporatization of essential public services and prioritize the well-being of workers and communities,” Furstenau said.

The Green Party says when government hands over operations of a public service to for-profit companies, it’s the workers who pay the price.

The message is similar to the calls for action from the BC United Party. Abbotsford South MLA Bruce Banman, says the strike is having significant impacts on residents trying to get to work, school, appointments and other commitments.

Last month the provincial Labour minister said he had reached out to the union and to First Transit, the operators of transit service in the Fraser Valley, and offered mediation services. However Harry Bains says neither side in the dispute have sought help from the Labour Relations Board.