The nearly two-month long transit strike affecting riders in the Comox Valley and Campbell River areas is officially over.
On Feb. 1, Unifor 114 members voted 80 per cent in favour of the new agreement, which was reached by thebargaining committees least week.
“Congratulations to the bargaining committee and to the members for standing strong at the bargaining table and on the picket lines to make a stand for improving public transit,” said Unifor national president Lana Payne.
The union estimates it will take about another week to get the buses roadworthy. Mechanics returned to work last week to begin the process.
According to a statement on the wages will increase in this contract at 9.5 per cent in the first year, 3.5 per cent in the second year and 2.54 per cent in the last year.
And as of April 1, 2026, all job classifications will get a wage adjustment of 83 cents an hour.
The new agreement also stipulates that the employer will pay 2.75 per cent of gross wages into the union group RRSP after the probation period. And that the RRSP will increase to fourper cent on April 1, 2024, if employees match the employer’s contribution at minimum.
A $5/hour premium will be paid for driver trainers (one per depot) while performing training duties. The employer will establish dedicated driver trainers.
Mechanic and apprentice members also received a substantial $900 tool allowance each year.
“Our members are looking forward to returning to work, proudly servicing the Comox Valley and Campbell River communities,” said Unifor Local 114 President Gord McGrath. “We’re pleased to finally have a contract that speaks to our members’ needs and creates a proper work-life-balance for them.”
Workers at PWTransit withdrew bus services on Dec. 15, 2023. The 75 Unifor Local 114 members work as transit operators, HandyDART operators, mechanics, and cleaners.