Workers on the Canada Line have voted overwhelmingly in favour of taking job action.
The B.C. Government and Service Employees’ Union (BCGEU), which represents 150 workers on the rapid transit line, haven’t to the picket lines just yet.
But the January 8 vote comes as British Columbians are being asked to approve a 0.5% tax hike in an upcoming spring referendum aimed at securing funding for TransLink.
"The strength of the strike vote reflects the commitment of our members to negotiate a fair and reasonable collective agreement," BCGEU treasurer Paul Finch said in a statement.
"We are committed to meaningful negotiations with the help of a mediator later this month. However, if mediation fails we are prepared to increase pressure to negotiate an agreement."
The Canada Line is owned by SNC-Lavalin and privately operated by Protrans BC.
Both the BCGEU and the employer are scheduled to meet at the Labour Relations Board in Vancouver on January 19 for mediation talks.
The previous collective agreement expired on December 31, 2014.
