A strike that could have shut down bus and SeaBus service across Metro Vancouver has been avoided after Coast Mountain Bus Company workers voted Monday to ratify a new collective agreement. The union representing bus drivers, maintenance workers and SeaBus employees says 68 per cent of members voted in favour of the deal. The agreement includes new provisions dealing with running time, recovery time and electronic service sheets—key issues raised by transit operators during bargaining. It also creates a process allowing disputes over those terms to go directly to a mediator for resolution. With the deal ratified, all job action ends and a Sept. 23 strike deadline has been lifted, ensuring bus and SeaBus service will continue across Metro Vancouver.
