The BC Minister of Labour has appointed Vince Ready as a special mediator in the ongoing transit labour dispute.
“Vince Ready is a highly regarded mediator among the labour, business and public-sector communities and I am confident he will do everything he can to help end this labour dispute,” Minister Kahlon said.
Under the Labour Relations Code, a special mediator will help settle the terms of a collective agreement and report back to the minister responsible. Vince Ready will work with both parties for ten days to secure a resolution to the ongoing strike. If a settlement is not reached, he will issue recommendations to end the dispute, with both parties having five days to either accept or reject the recommendations.
“I know both sides have been working toward a fair resolution at the bargaining table, which is the best place for a deal to be secured,” Kahlon said.
“After two years of bargaining and failed sessions with a mediator, it’s clear a more structured process is necessary,” said Gavin McGarrigle, Unifor Western Regional Director. He said the union looks forward to making submissions to the mediator about the high cost of living and wage disparities.
