Vancouver bus drivers vote in favour of strike action

Metro Vancouver bus drivers, SeaBus captains and support staff havevoted almost unanimouslyin favour of strike action.

The 4,700 employees of the Coast Mountain Bus Company, a TransLink subsidiary, voted 98 per cent in favour of putting pressure on their employer.

Voting was held on Thursdayat theItalian Cultural Center at 10 a.m.,2p.m., and7 p.m.

"The turnout has been just incredible," saidUniforpresident NathanWoods."Clearlythemembersthatare showing uptodayare in support of us."

• Metro Vancouver transit operators to take strike vote

The union representing the workerssaysa successful vote is what the Coast Mountain Bus Companyneeds to be pushed over the edge to come back with what it calls a fair contract.

"I think the results of today's vote will allow us to go back to the table on May 9 withCMBCandcarrya strong mandate," he said.

The vote affects transit operators, mechanics, SeaBus captains as well as other maintenance and support workers.

No immediate strike notice

Now that the vote has gonein favour of a strike, the bargaining committee can tell the employers thatemployees will walk off the jobunless their demands are met.

A strike would have enormous repercussions on those who take the bus or SeaBus in Metro Vancouver, but would not affect SkyTrain service.

But Woodssaid employees won't walk off the job immediately.

"Tomorrow, we're not going to be applying for 24 hours strike notice. We're going to see how the employer responds to this decision today," he said.

Woods has repeatedly said thatwages, benefits and working conditions are key issues at the bargaining table.

Translinkissued a statement on behalf of Coast Mountain Bus Company after the vote results were announced, saying they"remain committed to reaching an acceptable negotiated settlement."

Contract talks collapsed April 6. Upcoming meetings at the bargaining table have been scheduled for May 9 and 24.

With files from Anita Bathe