Transit-bus service in the Comox Valley and Campbell River could return next week after unionized transit workers accepted a new contract on Thursday, ending a strike that began in mid-December.
Unifor said Local 114 mechanics had already returned to work last week to get a head start on getting buses ready for service again. The ratification vote passed with 80 per cent support.
Full settlement details have not yet been released, but the union said it had achieved three years of wage increases in the latest contract, including a 9.5 per cent wage increase in the first year, a 3.5 per cent increase in the second year, and a 2.5 per cent increase in the third year.
All job classifications will also get a wage adjustment of 83¢ an hour on April 1, 2026.
Other benefits negotiated included dedicated driver trainers at each bus depot who will receive a $5 wage premium while training new drivers, a $900 annual tool allowance for mechanic and mechanic apprentices, as well as RRSP contributions from the employer, Pacific Western Transportation.
Unifor Local 114 represents 75 transit workers, including drivers, mechanics and vehicle cleaners.
Local president Gord McGrath said in a statement that members are looking forward to returning to work. “We’re pleased to finally have a contract that speaks to our members’ needs and creates a proper work-life-balance for them.”
Negotiations stalled since the start of the strike began anew on Jan. 24, with a B.C. Labour Relations Board mediator submitting non-binding recommendations for the two parties.
Union members had rejected in November a proposal that would have included a 15 per cent wage increase in a three-year agreement.
On Thursday, Pacific Western Transportation released a brief statement saying it was working to restart transit services as soon as it “can safely do so.”
“We are excited to be able to bring all of our people back to work very soon,” it said. “We understand that this has been a difficult time for the riders who depend on Transit.”
The company said it had no further comment.
Pacific Western Transportation operates under contract with B.C. Transit to provide transit service in the Comox Valley and Campbell River area, as well as operating a number of other transit systems across Canada.
On Vancouver Island, the company is contracted to provide transit services in Port Alberni and the Mount Waddington Regional District.
