Possible transit strike could halt SkyTrain: union

SkyTrain operations in Metro Vancouver are now also predicted to be affected if a transit strike occurs on Monday morning.

According to a release by CUPE 7000, the union that represents workers on the SkyTrain Expo and Millenium lines, all SkyTrain services could be affected if transit supervisors represented by CUPE 4500 can’t reach a deal with the Coast Mountain Bus Company (CMBC) on Sunday.

“Our friends at CUPE 4500, transit supervisors at Coast Mountain Bus Company, are getting ready to walk out Monday morning,” the union wrote.

Members of CUPE 7000 have been notified that they do not have to report to work if they come across a picket line and they’re encouraged to “join CUPE 4500 members in picketing.”

Anyone in CUPE 7000 who does join a picket line will receive strike pay, the statement reads.

It went on to state that CUPE 4500 has filed a complaint with the Labour Board against TransLink, BC Rapid Transit Company, West Coast Express, and Protrans for attempting to lessen the impact felt by CMBC customers during the strike escalation.

“CUPE 4500 is requesting an immediate hearing,” it wrote. “If successful, CUPE 4500 seeks to picket at additional sites, which include SkyTrain. This would shut down all SkyTrain services.”

The transit supervisors’ union and CMBC resumed mediation this weekend, in an attempt to reach a deal before the proposed full service shutdown on Monday.

“We realize this is very short notice, but we can’t let CMBC and TransLink step on the rights of union members,” it states.

“We need to fight back and keep a united front with CUPE 4500 as they fight for fair wages and better working conditions in our sector.”

On Friday, CMBC spokesperson Mike Killeen said the union should come back with a more realistic wage offer, since it’s asking for nearly double the increase other CMBC unions have already agreed to.

Right now, a transit supervisor makes about $92,400 a year, and they’re asking to be brought up to $115,400 in three years — a 25 per cent increase — according to CMBC.

The bus company is offering them just under half the increase the union is asking for.

If a deal isn’t reached by 3 a.m. Monday, a strike affecting all transit across Metro Vancouver will begin.