The union representing over 180 striking transit supervisors and Coast Mountain Bus Company (CMBC) have accepted recommendations on an "acceptable compromise" ahead of any escalated job action.
CUPE Local 4500 and CMBC are accepting special mediator Vince Ready's recommendations, which are aimed at preventing another transit strike, according to a pair of news releases.
The union says the recommendations are an "acceptable compromise for its members" that takes sufficient steps toward addressing several of its key issues.
CUPE 4500 urged CMBC to also accept Ready’s recommendations so they could sign off on a tentative collective agreement and prevent another transit strike.
“CUPE 4500 thanks Mr. Ready for his thorough and comprehensive review of the issues at the heart of this dispute. His recommendations show there are compromises that can be made on both sides of the bargaining table,” says Liam O’Neill, spokesperson for CUPE 4500.
“While they don’t completely address our issues, these recommendations are clearly our best path towards a mutually acceptable settlement."
The union told V.I.A. that it won't release any details about the recommendations and will not do so until presented to members for ratification.
Employer Coast Mountain needs to accept to avoid 72-hour-transit strike
CMBC President and General Manager Michael McDaniel said the union has accepted the recommendations and noted that the transit strikes "lead to significant public hardship" over the past several weeks.
"Without public transportation, commuters are left stranded, unable to get to work, school or medical appointments. For many, paying significant costs for alternative forms of transportation isn't an option, and without public transit there is increased traffic and congestion for many," he said.
The union will not move ahead with its strike once a deal is made.
TransLink and other transportation providers have applied to the BC Labour Relations Board (LRB) for essential service designations.
