Media advisory: Community Event to Support Cowichan Valley Transit Workers

Written By Erin Blondeau

WHAT: Cowichan Valley bus riders, and the community are gathering for a joyous solidarity demonstration with musical performances and guests. This is a show of support and solidarity with the striking Cowichan Valley transit workers.

WHEN: Saturday, March 15, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

WHERE: The main bus stop at Canada Avenue and Station Street and Charles Hoey Park.

DETAILS:
Unifor Local 114 members voted unanimously for strike action starting on Saturday February 8th, 2025


Cowichan Valley transit workers are fighting for:

  • Access to pensions

  • Living wages comparable to Victoria

  • Appropriate washroom and break facilities for operators

  • Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) to take over the contract from Transdev and cease farming it out to the lowest bidder


Unifor statements:


WHY THIS MATTERS:
The current transit worker strike disproportionately impacts vulnerable community members, including:

  • Low-income individuals relying on affordable public transportation

  • Seniors and people with disabilities using HandyDART services relying on public transit for daily mobility

  • The current profit driven business model that funnels funds away from the community, out of Canada, by sacrificing the wellbeing of communities and workers 

  • Transit Workers and the Community will never be the priority as long as profits generated here are funneled out of our community by the lowest bidding company is in control

  • Transdev, the multinational corporation based in France receives 90% of it’s funding from the CVRD (47%) and BC Transit (53 %), and gets to keep all the profits made by operating in the Cowichan Valley. Transdev also holds contracts in Comox and Campbell River, the Okanagan Valley, and other places across Canada. 


🎶 MUSICAL PERFORMANCES BY:  United We Sing and other musical guests



MEDIA CONTACTS:

Event Coordinator:
Devorah Fallows of the IWW Union, Coast Salish Territories General Membership Branch
devorahfallows@nym.hush.com

Local Union Rep:

Shaun Bhoondpaul (Shop Steward, Bargaining Rep, & Strike Coordinator), shaunbhoondpaul@hotmail.com

For information regarding the Cowichan Valley Transit Worker strike action, please contact:
Unifor National Communications Representative Jenny Yuen at jenny.yuen@unifor.org or (416) 938-6157

*note: Revolve is not hosting this event but we are proud to support striking workers and help spread the word.

Erin Blondeau
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