Victoria transit workers give a 97% strike mandate in labour dispute

A view of City Hall and traffic along Douglas St. in Victoria, Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito

VICTORIA — The union representing 790 transit operators and mechanics in Victoria says its members have voted 97 per cent in favour of strike action.

Unifor Local 333 says the collective agreement expired March 31, 2025, and bargaining began in February last year.

The union says members are focused on issues of wages, benefits, working conditions and maintenance training.

It says the vote result “strengthens the bargaining committee’s hand as it works toward a fair settlement.”

The release says both sides are discussing future bargaining dates.

This strike vote comes days after Unifor unions representing Metro Vancouver bus drivers and SeaBus operators voted 99 per cent in favour of strike action if necessary.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 29, 2026.