CUPE 561 criticizes new owners of First Transit bus company amid job action; bus strike looming

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CEO Nicolet wrote that the company was committed to open communication and collaboration as Transdev Canada completes the transition process.

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“We recognize that employees are our most important asset, and we want to ensure that their jobs are secure and that they continue to receive fair wages, benefits, and working conditions,” Nicolet wrote. “We also understand the importance of honoring any existing collective bargaining agreements as we want to help support a positive working experience for all our employees. We look forward to working with you in the coming weeks and months.”

This letter did not sit well with CUPE Local 561, which responded four days later with its own letter dated March 11.

“In the letter, you profess a commitment to open and respectful dialogue and to a productive approach to labour relations that values our members and the communities they serve,” CUPE Local 561 wrote; it was not signed by any one individual. “This would mark a dramatic change from the status quo. You must be aware that CUPE 561 and First Transit have been in a labour dispute since February 2, 2023. Given the Company’s refusal to address the regional wage disparity and lack of a pension, it is all but inevitable that this strike will escalate to a complete shutdown, leaving Fraser Valley residents who rely on the service stranded.”

CUPE said it was taken aback by the upbeat nature of Nicolet’s letter in light of the contentious issue of low wages and lack of pension affecting drivers formerly with First Transit, now under the purview of Transdev Canada.

“Given this reality, we were surprised by the cheerful tone of your letter,” CUPE stated. “You referred to our members as ‘assets.’ They are not assets. They are people, people who have been suffering at the hands of their employer. They do not receive fair wages nor benefits. They make significantly less than other transit operators in the region—and, unlike the others, do not have a pension. Moreover, their working conditions are abysmal. Under the circumstances, you can appreciate that we remain skeptical about your commitment to our members and their families, who struggle to afford the very basics on First Transit’s deplorable wages.”

In its letter, CUPE said it was skeptical about a foreign corporation taking ownership of First Transit, particularly one that lacked sufficient ties to Canada.

“There are also many concerns in the community about another foreign corporation taking over this service, and in fact, recent experience bears this out,” CUPE’s March 11 letter stated. “We understand you are a multi-national company with no actual ties to the community, like your predecessor, and you are owned by one of the richest families in Germany. All of that being said, you have an opportunity to demonstrate the sincerity of the lofty sentiments in your letter when the parties resume contract discussions on March 14th, 15th, and 16th. There is still time to eliminate the regional wage disparity and to address the lack of a pension and poor working conditions.”

If labour negotiations fail, CUPE says there will be a complete and ongoing shutdown of transit services starting Monday, March 20.

“Should these efforts fail, there will be a complete and ongoing shutdown of transit services starting on March 20,” CUPE 561 wrote. “After that, the buses will not start rolling again until our members’ needs are addressed. Fraser Valley residents and our members, your new employees, are counting on you to do the right thing. Sincerely, CUPE Local 561.”