As central Okanagan residents get ready for another work week, their options for commuting will once again be limited. The ongoing transit strike is keeping buses off the roads and making it hard for frequent transit users to reach their destinations.
The strike is now into its eleventh day and there is no end in sight for picketing workers or for transit riders. On Sunday, the union confirmed there are still no talks scheduled between the two sides.
“I wish they would start talking again,” said picketing HandyDART driver, Garth Metcalfe. “I just want to get back to work.”
Picketing workers say they are fighting for their futures.
“If I do get a full time position, I’d like to know that I have a good future laid out for me,” said transit worker Randi Gorcak.
As bus loops remain empty Kelowna’s mayor has entered the fray. On Friday, Colin Basran issued a statement urging the two sides to get back to the bargaining table.
“The longer this job action continues, the harder it will be to win back the ridership we have grown year after year, with the cooperation of all involved,” wrote Basran.
The president of the striking local transit union said he needs cooperation from the employer, First Canada, to get back to the bargaining table.
“I can’t have a meeting with myself. My phone is wide open ready to go any time and we have always said that we are ready willing and able to talk because the public is getting damaged by this,” said Scott Lovell president of Amalgamated Transit Union local 1722.
In a statement issued Friday, First Canada said they “remain willing and eager to return to the bargaining table.”
Still no talks are scheduled.
With no signs of negotiations on the horizon and no clear reason why, it appears central Okanagan transit riders shouldn’t expect a bus to come by anytime soon.
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