Lower Mainland bus drivers avoid possible strike with tentative deal

The Coast Mountain Bus Company and the union representing its drivers, mechanics, maintenance and SeaBusstaffhave announced a three-year tentative agreementheading off a possible strike.

In April, members of UniforLocals 111 and 2200 whichrepresents 4,700 employees of the TransLink subsidiaryvoted 98 per cent in favour of a strike to back contract demands.

Local 111 PresidentSteve Sutherland said in a statementthe deal involved "no concessions," but no further details would be released until a ratification vote.

• Vancouver bus drivers vote in favour of strike action
• Metro Vancouver transit operators to take strike vote

"If accepted, this contract will provide us with stability and allow us to focus on working with riders, the community and all three levels of government to improve transit services," the statement read.

Local 2200 President Joe Elworthy said the deal was important for retaining workers in the face of wage competition from the private sector.

Unifor said in April, wages, benefits and working conditions were key issues atthe bargaining table, as well as concerns about contracting out of service workers and maintenance staff.

Wages for transit operators currently start at $19.57 an hourand top out at $30.91 within two years of employment, which Uniforsaid is a lower wage than other workers in similar positions in B.C.

In a concurrent statement, Coast Mountain expressed pleasure about reaching the deal.

"Thank you to our employees and customers for your patience during this period of uncertainty," the statement read."We are pleased to have come to an agreement without a disruption in service to our customers."

The deal is not yet final. Itmust first be approved by the union membership.

Unifor says theratification vote will take place July 21.