Striking transit workers from Squamish and the Sea to Sky are gathering on Family Day weekend in Whistler Village.
Transit workers went on strike on Jan. 29, demanding higher wages, health benefits, pension and job stability from their employer, the Pacific Western Group of Companies, or PWT, which BC Transit contracts to run Sea to Sky transit.
“Transit workers help connect our communities and keep the economy moving,” said Gavin McGarrigle, Unifor western regional director, in a news release.
“It’s time B.C. Transit recognize[s] the important work done by transit workers in the Sea to Sky corridor. Whistler is a playground for the wealthy— but it relies on the working people in restaurants, hotels, and other retail businesses in this village. Those same working people have B.C. Transit to thank for their lack of public transit during the height of ski season.”
McGarrigle and other transit workers are expected to gather on Feb. 18 at noon at the Whistler Village Skiers Plaza, located at the bottom of gondolas.
“This Family Day weekend, we’re asking all families in Squamish, Whistler, and Pemberton to join us to demand better from B.C. Transit,” McGarrigle said.
Unifor Local 114 represents more than 80 striking transit workers in Squamish, Whistler, and Pemberton.
Recently, a national representative for Unifor, the union representing the workers, said that workers may start to escalate action.
