British Columbia Rapid Transit Company and CUPE 7000, the union representing 900 SkyTrain workers, have agreed to mediation beginning next week.
Last week, CUPE 7000 announced that negotiations with the BCRTC had reached an impasse, and that it was seeking direction from union members for its next steps.
Photo: SkyTrain cars turn a corner at Gilmore station in Burnaby.
Now, Michel Ladrak, President of the BCRTC, says that CUPE 7000 has agreed to mediation, and that they look forward to reaching, " a fair and reasonable collective agreement."
Ladrak stated that eight mediated meetings have been scheduled over the next month. He underscored that mediation is an important and effective way for parties to resolve differences in any labour negotiation.
“While CUPE 7000 members have passed a vote which gives them the option of taking job action, at this time the union has not given any indication of providing a strike notice," explained Ladrak.
"There is currently no disruption to SkyTrain service."
CUPE 7000 represents approximately 900 SkyTrain workers who provide service as SkyTrain attendants and control operators as well as administration, maintenance, and technical staff. It has stated that BCRTC has failed to address a number of important issues including sick plan, inadequate staffing levels, and forced overtime.
CUPE 7000 just voted 96.8% in favour of job action, but will move forward with mediation.
Canada Line and West Coast Express are not affected by these negotiations.
