Unionized Coast Mountain Bus Company workers have approved a new contract, cancelling a looming strike and ending job action that threatened TransLink bus and SeaBus service this week.
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Metro Vancouver transit riders are set to avoid a shutdown of TransLink bus and SeaBus services after unionized workers at Coast Mountain Bus Company (CMBC) approved a new collective agreement, according to an announcement from Unifor.
The new deal received support from 68 per cent of members who voted through Unifor Locals 111 and 2200. With the ratification vote, the contract approval cancels the strike deadline and brings all job action to an end.
The labour dispute had been escalating ahead of the FIFA World Cup, when the union’s threat of job action first began. Prior to this latest vote, the union rejected two tentative agreements negotiated between CMBC and Unifor leadership.
As part of the escalation, the union imposed restrictions on work practices. Unifor said members were banned from wearing uniforms and that bus drivers were prevented from giving up their breaks to make up for lost time.
Negotiations focused heavily on working conditions for bus drivers. Unifor pointed to issues including running time and recovery time, as well as electronic service sheets, as central topics during bargaining.
The agreement includes a new Letter of Understanding that lays out a direct process for resolving failures to comply with terms. Under the letter’s framework, disputes would be directed to a mediator if either the employer or the union does not follow the terms.
The two participating Unifor locals represent different parts of CMBC’s workforce. Local 111 covers bus drivers, while Local 2200 represents skilled trades, service workers, and SeaBus workers.
In total, the two locals combined represent more than 5,000 workers employed by CMBC. The previous collective agreement for these workers expired on March 31, 2026, setting the stage for the renewed bargaining process.
CMBC said it was pleased with the union’s ratification vote and that it would avoid a shutdown of bus and SeaBus services in Metro Vancouver. The company added that the agreement would be officially ratified once approved by CMBC’s board of directors.
CMBC also credited mediator Trevor Sones, the bargaining committees, Unifor members, and CMBC employees for their efforts throughout the process, as the transit agency worked toward resolving the job action that had threatened service disruption this week.
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