Fraser Valley transit union ratifies contract, job action ending – BC | 24CA News
Transit employees within the Fraser Valley are starting their return-to-work course of after a ratification vote inside their union, Friday.
CUPE Local 561 mentioned members have ratified the mediated settlement with First Transit, ending the strike which started 124 days in the past.
The six-year settlement, which ends on March 31, 2026, narrows the wage hole with different transit employees within the area whereas introducing a pension plan that takes impact subsequent spring, in accordance with the union.
“Our members needed a lift, and with this agreement they got one,” mentioned CUPE 561 president Randy Kootte.
“Special Mediator Vince Ready’s recommendations were a fair compromise, providing us with a foundation for future rounds of bargaining. By ratifying this memorandum of settlement, the members agree that this contract is a good start in addressing their concerns.”
The union president additionally gave due to the neighborhood members who’ve been severely impacted over the course of the job motion.
“We cannot thank our communities enough for supporting us in our struggle to achieve wage fairness and retirement security—and showing that support despite the many hardships and inconveniences people had to endure as the dispute dragged on,” he mentioned.
Kootte added that the union will do every thing it could to rapidly resume service within the Fraser Valley and can work with the employer to guarantee that buses are operating as “soon as possible.”
The union didn’t give a selected date for when transit providers might be absolutely operational.
First Transit supplied an announcement Saturday morning.
“First Transit is pleased to confirm that CUPE Local 561 has provided notification of ratification of the mediated settlement for the strike in Fraser Valley,” a spokesperson mentioned in an e-mail.
“The company is working to conclude this new collective agreement and has already started return-to-work efforts with maintenance staff so transit service can be restored as early as possible for our customers in the Fraser Valley.”
First Transit mentioned a date for full return of service might be introduced as quickly as it’s confirmed.
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