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Mediation

Transit Strike in Cowichan Valley Continues Unresolved as Province Fails to Intervene

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Advocates for bus and train passengers in British Columbia are calling for the province to step in and resolve the transit strike in the Cowichan Valley, which has lasted for months. As the strike continues, dozens of transit workers remain on the picket line, and thousands of community members who rely on the service are affected. The strike, which began on February 8, involves two unions, Unifor Local 114 and Unifor Local 333, representing transit operators, cleaners, and mechanics, and HandyDART operators, respectively.

Key Takeaways:

  • The transit strike in the Cowichan Valley has lasted for over three months, affecting dozens of transit workers and thousands of community members.
  • The strike involves Unifor Local 114 and Unifor Local 333, representing 44 transit operators and 8 HandyDART operators, respectively.
  • The unions are demanding pay close to that of their counterparts in Victoria, as well as improved access to washroom facilities, designated breaks, and more.
  • A tentative agreement was reached between the union and the employer, Transdev Canada, but the workers overwhelmingly rejected it.
  • The province has shown little action in resolving the strike, with Transport Action British Columbia's Brendan Read stating, "Isn't it long overdue for the province to step in and settle the strike ASAP in a way that is multi-win for the residents, communities, and workers?"
  • North Cowichan Mayor Rob Douglas has also called for the province to get involved in resolving the strike, citing the impact on vulnerable members of the community.
  • The strike has resulted in the loss of the Cowichan Victoria Express (CVX) bus route, leading to increased pollution, congestion, and accidents.

Statistics:

  • The transit strike in the Cowichan Valley has been ongoing since February 8.
  • The strike involves 52 transit workers, consisting of 44 members from Unifor Local 114 and 8 members from Unifor Local 333.
  • The unions are seeking pay increases and improved working conditions for their members.
  • Over 2,000 community members rely on the affected transit services.
  • The strike has led to an increase in ride-sharing, taxi usage, and vehicle purchases among transit users.

Sources:

  • Brendan Read, Transport Action British Columbia
  • Mayor Rob Douglas, North Cowichan Council
  • Unifor Local 114
  • Unifor Local 333
  • Transdev Canada
  • The Ministry of Labour
  • Cowichan Valley Citizen, 2025

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