Transit operator seeks injunction against picketing Fraser Valley bus drivers – BC | 24CA News
The transit contractor concerned in a bitter labour dispute with unionized bus drivers and mechanics in B.C.’s Fraser Valley is looking for an injunction in opposition to the union, claiming picketers are engaged in “numerous unlawful acts” at its varied services.
CUPE Local 561 members have been with no contract since April 2020, and have been on full-scale strike since March 20 this 12 months.
Read extra:
Strike halts bus service in B.C.’s Fraser Valley
The employees are employed by U.S. agency First Transit, which operates bus service in Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission, Hope, Agassiz and Harrison Hot Springs on contract from BC Transit.
In an injunction software filed Tuesday, First Transit alleges CUPE members have been picketing exterior its bus yards in Chilliwack and Abbotsford, together with a satellite tv for pc Chilliwack often called The Creamery, 24 hours a day.
The firm claims the picketers have blocked staff, purchasers and automobiles from accessing its websites, brought on delays and created a “nuisance” at and round its services.
It additional claims the picketers have “created dangerous and unsafe conditions” at and across the websites, and “intimidated, coerced, threatened, harassed and interfered with First Transit’s employees, agents, contractors, suppliers or others … and caused them to fear for their own safety or the safety of others.”
The firm claims it has requested the picketers to cease such actions, however that they proceed, inflicting “loss, irreparable harm and damage.”
The firm is looking for interim and everlasting injunctions barring the union members from “committing or conspiring to commit unlawful acts” whereas picketing, together with common and particular damages and courtroom prices.
Global News is looking for remark from CUPE Local 561.
None of the claims have been confirmed in courtroom.
The two sides have been on the bargaining desk for the reason that finish of May final 12 months, however have been unable to achieve a deal.
The union stopped gathering fares on Feb. 2, and withdrew service for 2 days in February.
Bargaining collapsed on March 16, with the union’s 200 employees strolling off the job days later.
First Transit says it continues to function important companies, akin to HandyDART, and conduct web site and tools upkeep with out using substitute employees.
The union says its members make about one-third lower than bus drivers and upkeep employees within the Metro Vancouver transit system.
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