We support Mayor Sager improving labour relations, says West Vancouver transit union

The union for West Vancouver Blue Bus drivers and mechanics say they support Mayor Mark Sager in his efforts to improve labour relations and transit in West Vancouver.

Amalgamated Transit Union Local 134 spokesman Geoff Devlin said that the recent news about unproven allegations is disappointing given Sager’s efforts to restore good labour relations in the District.

“We have no knowledge about these allegations but ATU Local 134 was pleased to see the recent departure of former District Chief Administrative Officer Robert Bartlett and deputy CAO Mark Chan because both labour relations and transit suffered during their terms,” Devlin said.  “The union hopes this investigation is quickly concluded so the Mayor can continue to implement his campaign promises to improve both labour relations and the Blue Bus system.”

The union said it supports the appointment this week of new Municipal Manager Scott Findlay and looks forward to a more cooperative and positive relationship with the District, Devlin said. Devlin pointed out that in 2022 the union held a successful strike vote and nearly took job action before reaching an arbitrated contract settlement and in the past 15 years the union has not been able to reach a new collective agreement without a strike vote, strike or other job action.

He added that the Blue Bus system has lost routes such as the 258 UBC Express. “Working together is much better for West Vancouver and we look forward to doing just that with Mark Sager and Scott Findlay,” Devlin says.

ATU Local 134 has 150 members who operate and maintain West Vancouver’s Blue Bus system of 64 buses that transport about 18,000 passenger trips per day.