An end to the longest transit strike in B.C. history is potentially in sight, with the union representing Sea to Sky transit workers voting today on a settlement package.
In an email, a spokesperson for Unifor Local 114 confirmed that union members will be voting Tuesday, June 14 on a settlement recommended by special mediator Vince Ready, who was appointed by labour minister Harry Bains last month to help resolve the now 137-day strike.
Both sides had up to 10 days of negotiation to reach a mediated settlement, after which each party was given five days to either accept or reject the offer. Wednesday, June 15 represents the fifth and final day for the parties to decide.
Ready, a heavy-hitter in B.C. labour circles who has handled thousands of labour and commercial disputes across Canada, was brought in only a day after Unifor Local 114 turned down the latest offer proposed by PWT in a narrow 36-32 vote. Although not obligated to do so, Unifor has committed to putting Ready's non-binding recommendations to a vote. The Unifor spokesperson said the vote results are expected for announcement at 1 p.m. today.
B.C.'s previous longest transit strike was in 2001, when the Liberal government of the day mandated buses back on the road in Metro Vancouver after 123 days.
Check back with Pique for more as this story develops.
