Fraser Valley bus service coming to indefinite stop due to strike

Bus service in the Fraser Valley will come to an indefinite halt Monday, as transit workers escalate job action.

According to BC Transit, service will be suspended in Abbotsford, Agassiz-Harrison, Chilliwack, Hope, and Mission. The Fraser Valley Express, which runs between Lougheed SkyTrain station in Burnaby to Abbotsford and Chilliwack will also cease to operate.

HandyDart service for people who need transportation to dialysis, cancer treatment, and multiple sclerosis appointments has been deemed essential and will continue.

"BC Transit is closely monitoring the situation and sincerely apologizes to customers for the inconvenience caused by this matter, a statement released Friday said.

"We understand the frustration felt by customers, and that the job action is difficult for everyone involved in the region."

The service disruption comes as CUPE Local 561, the union representing drivers and other workers and their employer First Transit remain locked in a dispute.

"It's three things that we're fighting for. It's fair wages; our members receive far less than others in the region and we're fighting for a pension," said Liam O'Neill, CUPE National Representative.

He went on to say they are also looking for improved working conditions.

On Sunday, American-based First Transit, who is the contractor for BC Transit, wrote in an email to CTV News that its proposal was a wage increase of up to 16 per cent over five years.

"Conventional drivers could be above $32 per hour in 2024," a statement said.

"This wage proposal, if taken, would mean that members of CUPE Local 561 will have seen wage increases in aggregate of approximately 20 per cent since 2017."

First Transit also says the proposal included 15 additional full-time operator positions with benefits packages.

Communication between the two sides has stalled in recent days. According to First Transit, it is willing to listen but says it is preparing for escalating strike action.

As of Sunday evening, no deal had been reached.

The transit disruption will impact roughly 13,000 boardings per day, according to BC Transit.

The City of Abbotsford released a statement on Sunday about the job action where they are calling on the two sides to find an agreement soon as thousands will be left stranded or forced to pay far more for alternatives just to get around.

"The City of Abbotsford is encouraging both parties to bring a resolution to this issue immediately as it is adversely affecting our residents that have no other affordable options," a spokesperson wrote.