At 4:30 a.m. tomorrow morning busses in Kelowna will stop running.
The Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1722 broke off talks with First Canada tonight due to what Union President Scott Lovell said was “lack of any effort at all” by First Canada.
Lovell said that, as a result, the union is “withdrawing [its] services” as of 4:30 a.m.
“The Union has made every effort to resolve these negotiations without going on strike, however, First Canada seemed to lack the desire to participate fairly by not addressing our Core concerns,” he said.
“We apologize for any disruptions or inconvenience this may cause.”
The Amalgamated Transit Union 1722 represents drivers from Peachland to Kelowna to Kamloops. The union has been negotiating with First Canada - the private company that runs the Kelowna Regional Transit and the handyDart system - since April.
Six days ago the union filed a strike notice after the company offered a contract Lovell said was like “a slap in the face.”
Jonathon Dyck, a BC Transit communications manager, said BC Transit doesn't know the exact extent of bus stoppages.
"At this time we do not know the extent of the work stoppages; however, scheduled conventional and handyDART services in the Kelowna Regional Transit System are likely to be affected. BC Transit is closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates as new information is available," he wrote in a press release.
Essential service for handyDART patients requiring dialysis will continue.
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