B.C. considers ‘special mediator’ for transit strike as thousands impacted by stoppage
Global News
Labour Minister Harry Bains presented the option Monday after picket lines went up at major transit centres in Metro Vancouver, where bus and SeaBus service was suspended.
The B.C. government may bring a “special mediator” into the ongoing labour dispute between the Coast Mountain Bus Company and TransLink transit supervisors represented by CUPE 4500.
Labour Minister Harry Bains presented the option Monday after picket lines went up at major transit centres in Metro Vancouver, where bus and SeaBus service was suspended.
“I know the two sides understand their responsibility to the public, to their customers, and I urge them to get back to the table to work out an end to this dispute,” Bains said in a press conference.
“There are so many people who rely on this service.”
The strike, slated to last until 3 a.m. Wednesday, left thousands of transit users in the cold on Monday.
Bains said it is the responsibility of CUPE 4500 and the Coast Mountain Bus Company (CMBC) to reach a deal. Both the parties were at the bargaining table over the weekend with veteran mediator Vince Ready, but failed to agree on what constitutes an acceptable wage hike.
“It is disappointing to all of us that the parties did not reach an agreement,” Bains said.
“We have reached out to both employer and the union today to urge them both to get back to the bargaining table without delay and also to get involved in good faith bargaining, to hammer out an agreement to deal with their differences.”
A mother who was struck by a vehicle, along with the father and three other children, has now died from her injuries in hospital just over a month after the collision.
Erin McQueen believes her tools were stolen on Nov.16 while her truck was parked in Kelowna near Ellis Street and Clement Avenue.
"I am fighting for my daughter." How one Regina family is looking to the community to help raise money for a potentially live saving trip to the United States.
Kingston hosts the 59th Vanier Cup, featuring Laval vs. Laurier, promising excitement, economic impact, and family-friendly events. Full details on the big game.
Saskatchewan has been battling an increase in overdoses for many years. But based on recent data, Saskatchewan’s response to drug toxicity may be working.
A council representing Montreal and the suburban municipalities will vote on whether to stop the practice in the six West Island suburbs that treat their water with fluoride.
Trudeau said he would prefer the North American free trade agreement to remain in place, but that Ottawa was 'leaving all doors open' to secure Canadian interests.
The Florida Republican's announcement came one day after meeting with senators in an effort to win their support for his confirmation to lead the Justice Department.
Quebec's finance minister painted a positive picture of the province's finances, saying the province had a stronger-than-expected recovery from last year's economic slowdown.
Kingston ranks No. 2 in Canada for winter non-monogamy hot spots, reflecting its openness to alternative relationships.
Heffel Fine Art Auction House says “Masset, Q.C.I.” sold for $290,000 at its fall sale Wednesday night, above a presale estimate of $100,000 to $200,000.