The wheels on the Blue Bus won’t be going round and round Monday unless the union representing its drivers and mechanics and the District of West Vancouver reach a deal over the weekend.
We can’t say much about who’s right and who’s wrong because, typical of the intricacies in labour disputes, you can talk to both sides and still come away with no clear idea of what the issues are.
Sticking points appear to be about benefits rather than wages. But benefits in the public sector can make up a substantial part of compensation. Any way you slice it, it comes down to money in the end.
The 100 per cent strike vote handed to the union by its members at the end of the summer was a strong indication that all was not well in the transit department.
So was a recent employee survey in which transit workers consistently rated their job satisfaction lower than other employees at West Van town hall.
One question that repeatedly comes up when mulling the situation is why West Vancouver has its own bus system, in contrast to most other municipalities.
The answer appears to be that it always has. And if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Although a protracted strike would certainly change that impression.
If the strike goes ahead, it will be an inconvenience to many. Those hurt most will be students, seniors, commuters and anyone without a good alternative for getting around. For others, the solution will simply be to hop in the car, and join the lineup of folks waiting their turn to get over one of the North Shore’s gridlocked traffic bottlenecks. That would quickly show how a loss for transit and bus riders is a loss for everyone.
What are your thoughts? Send us a letter via email by clicking here or post a comment below.
