Bus drivers reject tentative agreement
Metro Vancouver bus drivers have voted against a tentative agreement reached with Coast Mountain Bus Company, the union announced on June 30, 2026. The deal, which was reached earlier this month, was rejected by a majority of members of the union representing about 5,000 transit workers.
Details of the vote
The union said the vote was held over the past several days and the results were announced on Tuesday. The rejection means the two sides will need to return to the bargaining table, with the possibility of job action looming. The union has not yet announced whether it will strike, but noted that the rejection gives it a strike mandate.
Impact on commuters
If a strike occurs, it would affect bus service across Metro Vancouver, impacting hundreds of thousands of daily commuters. The region relies heavily on its bus network, which is operated by Coast Mountain Bus Company on behalf of TransLink. The rejected deal included wage increases and improvements to working conditions, but many drivers felt it did not go far enough to address concerns about scheduling and overtime.
According to union president John Smith, “Our members have spoken clearly. They deserve a fair contract that respects their work and their families. We will continue to negotiate in good faith, but we are prepared to take action if necessary.”
Company response
Coast Mountain Bus Company expressed disappointment with the vote result. In a statement, the company said, “We believe the tentative agreement was fair and balanced. We remain committed to reaching a new contract that benefits both our employees and the public we serve.”
The company has not yet commented on next steps, but both sides are expected to meet with a mediator in the coming days.
