Central Okanagan municipalities want the province to block a strike by workers with operator Kelowna Regional Transit. The regional partners, which include the City of Kelowna, City of West Kelowna, Westbank First Nation, Lake Country and Peachland, released a statement about the upcoming employment action. Local 1722 of the Amalgamated Transit Union has issued a 72-hour strike notice against FirstGroup, which operates bus service on behalf of BC Transit and the regional partnership. Job action could begin as early as Thursday, although none has been announced at this time. “We strongly encourage both parties to find a fair and reasonable solution, as transit is a very important service to the citizens of the Central Okanagan,” the regional partners’ statement reads. “In the event that transit service is disrupted, we understand that we cannot completely replace transit service in the same way.” The regional partners have written to the labor minister asking the provincial government to intervene to prevent any disruption to the service. At the time of action for work, municipalities suggest people consider working from home, talk to friends and neighbors about carpooling and plan to travel during off-peak hours. BC Transit is closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates as new information becomes available. The municipalities note that they are not employers of the drivers and other staff who operate Kelowna Regional Transit and are not directly involved in the negotiations. They would not comment further.
title: “Government Urged To End Transit Strike In Kelowna Kelowna News Klmat” ShowToc: true date: “2022-12-12” author: “Marie Ramirez”
Central Okanagan municipalities want the province to block a strike by workers with operator Kelowna Regional Transit. The regional partners, which include the City of Kelowna, City of West Kelowna, Westbank First Nation, Lake Country and Peachland, released a statement about the upcoming employment action. Local 1722 of the Amalgamated Transit Union has issued a 72-hour strike notice against FirstGroup, which operates bus service on behalf of BC Transit and the regional partnership. Job action could begin as early as Thursday, although none has been announced at this time. “We strongly encourage both parties to find a fair and reasonable solution, as transit is a very important service to the citizens of the Central Okanagan,” the regional partners’ statement reads. “In the event that transit service is disrupted, we understand that we cannot completely replace transit service in the same way.” The regional partners have written to the labor minister asking the provincial government to intervene to prevent any disruption to the service. At the time of action for work, municipalities suggest people consider working from home, talk to friends and neighbors about carpooling and plan to travel during off-peak hours. BC Transit is closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates as new information becomes available. The municipalities note that they are not employers of the drivers and other staff who operate Kelowna Regional Transit and are not directly involved in the negotiations. They would not comment further.
