Bus operators in B.C.'s Cowichan Valley walk off the job

Bus operators in Vancouver Island's Cowichan Valley walked off the job on Saturday morning as labour talks with their employer broke down.

Just over 50 workers, represented by Unifor locals 114 and 333, have now started job action in the valley of around 90,000 residents, located between Nanaimo and Victoria in south-central Vancouver Island.

The strike will affect more than a dozen routes in communities like Duncan, Lake Cowichan, Chemainus and Crofton, as well as service to and from Victoria.

Striking workers say their employer, Transdev, hasn't provided a satisfactory offer that provides for better wages, as well as proper washroom facilities and breaks.

The contract between the union and employer expired last March, and the union says no further talks are scheduled as of Saturday morning.

"It's not uncommon for a lot of the transit operators to work six, seven hours straight without having any meaningful break at all," said Gavin Davies, a national staff representative with Unifor.

Davies said that Transdev, which is contracted by provincial Crown corporation B.C. Transit to provide services in the region, had made an offer on Friday that was already voted down by union membership in January.

He said B.C. Transit shouldn't be contracting out transit service to private companies, calling it a "race to the bottom" that saw services being given to the lowest bidder.

"These are essential services. You know, transportation is a fundamental right for everybody to be able to get to work," he told CBC News.

"The union recognizes this. Going out on strike is absolutely the last, last thing that any of us wanted to do, but B.C. Transit needs to step up on this."

A spokesperson from Transdev, which is headquartered in France, told CBC News in a statement that the parties had "productive dialogue" at talks Friday, but remained far apart.

"Our priority remains to reach a fair contract that balances the needs of our employees, Cowichan Valley transit riders, and taxpayers," said Transdev's Emily Watson.

HandyDART to run at essential levels

While 44 workers represented by Unifor Local 114 walked off the job Saturday, eight workers with Local 333, who operate HandyDART accessible transit service for people with mobility challenges and medical appointments, will continue to run services at essential levels.

B.C. Transit says the service will run for those with renal dialysis, cancer and multiple sclerosis appointments.

In a statement, B.C. Transit said the labour dispute was between Transdev and the union. The Crown corporation is responsible for all local transit service outside Metro Vancouver.

"Our organization is closely monitoring the situation and sincerely apologizes to customers for the inconvenience caused by this matter," its statement read.