For the first time in the history of Kelowna Regional Transit, drivers have walked off the job.
The unionized drivers set up picket lines this morning, marking day-one of strike action.
All buses, except for handydart service for dialysis patients, will not be operating today and for the foreseable future.
The drivers issued 72-hour strike notice last week and efforts to salvage a deal yesterday were unsuccessful.
It’s the first time drivers have picketed since 1977.
The dispute is between the drivers and their private employer — First Canada — a Scotland based company.
Kelowna mayor, Colin Basran, says the work stoppage is unfortunate but emphasizes that the dispute is between the drivers and the employer. He adds he’s been receiving calls and emails demanding the city take action, but says there’s nothing the city can do.
An estimated 4,000 people in the Central Okanagan use Kelowna Regional Transit every day. Four out of 10 are students.
BC Transit says customers can visit bctransit.com/kelowna or call 250-860-8121 for more information and updates.