Central Fraser Valley transit strike near a settlement: CUPE

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The union representing Fraser Valley transit workers says the employer will accept the recommendations of mediator Vince Ready, which likely means an imminent end to a Fraser Valley transit strike that has now lasted 122 days.

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CUPE 561 said in a release Wednesday that employer First Transit signalled its readiness to settle the strike.

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“As one of Canada’s most respected mediators, Vince Ready conducted a thorough and comprehensive review of the issues around this dispute,” said CUPE 561 president Randy Kootte. “We want to thank him for the work he has done in bringing the parties together.”

Kootte said the union and company will sign a memorandum of settlement, then the deal will be presented to members for ratification.

The union said picket lines will stay up until the memorandum has been ratified.

Terms of the mediated settlement have not been released.

The company, which was recently purchased by Transdev Canada, operates the B.C. Transit system in the Fraser Valley on behalf of a Crown corporation.

The four-month strike affects customers in the Agassiz-Harrison, Central Fraser Valley, Chilliwack and Hope transit systems.

Postmedia has reached out to First Transit for comment.

jruttle@postmedia.com