Over 180 transit supervisors represented by CUPE 4500 ratified their mediated settlement with Coast Mountain Bus Company this week, ending their month-long strike.
“The CUPE 4500 bargaining committee wants to thank our members for their support throughout this bargaining process. Our members’ determination and dedication helped pave the way for this agreement,” said Chris Gindhu, president of CUPE 4500. “We also want to thank all the transit users who offered support over the past few weeks. CUPE 4500 members are proud to keep serving you.”
To get the deal, CUPE 4500 members put in place an overtime ban early in the new year, and staged a mid-January withdrawal of services, shutting down all bus and SeaBus service across the Lower Mainland for two days.
“MoveUP and Unifor members stepped up when we needed support and solidarity on the picket lines. We owe them a great deal and CUPE 4500 thanks them for standing up for fellow transit workers,” said Gindhu.
The settlement was eventually reached following the appointment of Vince Ready as a special mediator, whose recommendations paved the way for a deal.
“Mr. Ready helped us find a fair compromise that serves both the Company and workers,” said Gindhu. “CUPE 4500 members thank him for his efforts and invaluable guidance.”
Coast Mountain Bus Company also ratified the settlement agreement on Monday. The three-year agreement, that will end December 31, 2025, makes significant progress on key issues CUPE 4500 members prioritized in this round of bargaining.