Transit workers set strike deadline

Unionized transit workers in the Central Okanagan plan to walk off the job next week to back their demands for a better contract offer from their employer.

Members of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1722 have set a strike deadline of Oct. 5 for a full work stoppage.

The union is frustrated at the current bargaining with First Transit Canada, and has been holding escalated job action the last few weeks.

Local union president Al Perissini said they sent a counter proposal to the employers three weeks ago and have yet to hear back.

“They don’t seem to care if Kelowna loses the transit service we are all paying for,” Perissini said. “Our employers are not members of this community, and the fact that we have not heard a word from them all this time, speaks volumes about their priorities.”

The union says First Transit Canada is owned by the Swedish private equity firm EQT.

A spokesperson for the company said they remain ready to resume bargaining at any time and will provide essential transit services if the workers walk out.