Striking Metro Vancouver transit supervisors say they are still slated to meet with the labour board this week — and that means commuters may have to make alternative arrangements heading into the weekend.
Locals took to social media late Sunday, Jan. 28, and early Monday morning to express concern about possible job action following a week of escalating tensions between CUPE 4500 — the union representing some transit supervisors — and its employer, Coast Mountain Bus Company (CMBC).
Starting in the wee hours of Jan. 22, the two-day transit strike shut down all of TransLink's SeaBuses and nearly all of its buses across the Lower Mainland; CMBC operates 97 per cent of all bus routes.
Without buses on the streets, the costs of Uber and Lyft services surged, while many people failed to hail a taxi or access an Evo car share due to skyrocketing demand. Following consumer backlash, Uber and Lyft implemented a temporary cap on pricing.
Many people were worried and unclear of when the next job action would commence and what it would look like.
Popular local satirist Seabus Memes also took an opportunity to inject some levity into the transportation chaos.
Complete Metro Vancouver strike looms ahead of BC Labour Relations Board hearing
Seasoned mediator Vince Ready has been appointed by the B.C. government to help both parties reach an agreement but the union may commence job action again.
The union, along with TransLink and several of its branches, including CMBC and Protrans, are scheduled to meet with the BC Labour Relations Board (BCLRB) on Wednesday, Jan. 31, to discuss expanding strike action to include the SkyTrain, the Canada Line, and the West Coast Express.
Currently, CUPE 4500 only had the right to put up picket lines on the bus network, which other unionized workers, including CMBC drivers, won't cross.
If the union is granted the right to expand its picket lines, its members will walk off the job just after midnight on Feb. 3, withdrawing services for 72 hours on all of TransLink's network.
The scope and location of the picketing is up to the union to determine and the BCLRB to approve.
CUPE 4500 and TransLink both confirmed to V.I.A. they'll be attending the Jan. 31 hearing.
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