Local union had served 72-hour strike notice
The bargaining committee representing nearly 100 transit operators, maintenance and office staff at Victoria HandyDART (First Canada) in British Columbia, reached a tentative agreement on Jan. 24.
“It was a difficult round of bargaining and I’m proud of our bargaining committee’s tenacity,” said Ben Williams, Unifor, Local 333-B.C. president.
HandyDART operates the accessible and paratransit for persons with disabilities and those who have difficulty using the traditional system.
Local 333- B.C. served 72-hour strike notice Jan. 16 but the notice was suspended after the employer applied for essential services designation.
Williams said the new agreement makes major gains in wages, benefit, and retirement options. The local was able to secure improved benefits eligibility to take effect in October 2019, said the union.
The unit’s current contract expired on Oct. 31, 2017.
