Image: Mike Vanden Bosch / After 80 days of inaction, the B.C. government announced Thursday (June 8) that it has appointed special mediator Vince Ready to help resolve the ongoing labour impasse between First Transit, a private company, and CUPE 561. Unionized bus drivers walked off the job on March 20, citing much lower compensation than their Metro Vancouver counterparts and a lack of pension.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

BC govt. finally appoints transit mediat

B.C. govt. appoints mediator after nearly 3-month transit strike

Jun 8, 2023 | 1:18 PM

CHILLIWACK — Better late than never.

After waiting 80 days to take action, the B.C. government announced Thursday (June 8) that it has appointed a special mediator to resolve what it calls an “incredibly challenging” transit strike between First Transit and CUPE 561 unionized bus drivers.

“This dispute has been incredibly challenging for everyone who relies on the bus service,” said Labour Minister Harry Bains. “The prolonged absence of transportation has had real impacts on residents in the region. After recent talks with both parties, I have appointed Vince Ready as a special mediator in the ongoing labour dispute involving First Transit and CUPE Local 561 in the Fraser Valley.”

Bains said Vince Ready is a highly-regarded mediator in the labour, business and public-sector communities.

“I am confident he will do everything he can to help the parties end this labour dispute,” Bains said in a statement. “Under the Labour Relations Code, a special mediator assists in settling the terms of a collective agreement and reports back to the minister responsible. Vince Ready will work with the parties for up to 10 days to secure a resolution to the ongoing strike. If a settlement cannot be reached within this timeline, he will issue recommendations to end the dispute, with both parties having five days to accept or reject the recommendations. It is important that both sides work toward a fair resolution at the bargaining table, which is the best place for a collective agreement to be reached.”

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The transit strike began on March 20 after CUPE 561 unionized bus drivers walked off the job, citing much lower pay than their Metro Vancouver counterparts and a lack of pension.