Brewster bus drivers stage small practice picket in Banff

“We’re fighting for a minimum day rate, better benefits and higher wages.”

BANFF – About eight Brewster bus drivers staged a practice picket in Banff on Thursday (July 9) in an attempt to put more pressure on the company after most of the 125 unionized workers overwhelmingly backed strike action last month in a dispute over wages and working conditions. The 125 Brewster drivers, mechanics, and bus washers, who are represented by Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1415, held the strike vote on June 19 after a majority rejected a contract offer from their employer, American-owned Pursuit Attractions and Hospitality. The practice picket was staged outside Pursuit’s main transportation hub on Gopher Street followed by a march towards downtown to the Elk + Avenue Hotel.

Nicole Kruger, ATU Local 1415 president, said most bus drivers were working because it is the busy summer season, others had to drive in from Calgary, some came by on their lunch break. “We had a lower turnout than we hoped because most of all the drivers are working... but the picket went well,” she said. Kruger said the union and the employer continue to be at an impasse in terms of wages, noting the percentage increases offered by the employer are “pretty low” considering the skyrocketing cost of living in the Banff.

“We’re fighting for a minimum day rate, better benefits and higher wages,” she said. “Those are the three main sticking points.” The union and Pursuit are in a federally mandated cooling off period, but bus drivers can legally strike on July 28.

Both sides are hoping to avoid this. Alex Grant, vice-president of Canada’s operations for Pursuit, said the company won’t comment on matters currently under negotiation “out of respect for the bargaining process.” He said they acknowledge Thursday’s practice picket by members of ATU Local 1415 and respect their team members’ right to participate in the collective bargaining process.

“After six months of negotiations, the parties reached a tentative agreement that reflected meaningful progress at the bargaining table and was endorsed by the union bargaining committee, but it was ultimately not ratified by the membership,” said Grant. “Our focus remains on bargaining in good faith toward a renewed agreement that is fair for our team members while continuing to provide safe, reliable service for our guests and the communities we serve.” Kruger said the union believes bus drivers also deserve more money for the commentary they do with tourists as they drive buses.

“We’re also the only motor coach company that requires drivers to do commentary while we’re driving, which can be exhausting,” she said. “You’re talking all day long. You’re not just a bus driver, you’re an entertainer.”

Kruger said the union hopes an acceptable agreement can be reached in the coming weeks. “We don’t want to strike in the middle of busy season and I’m sure management feels the same,” she said, noting the last time Brewster drivers went on strike was in 1985. Brewster Transportation has been in operation in the Canadian Rockies for more than 130 years.

Today, the company provides sightseeing tours, scheduled transportation, and charter services throughout Banff, Jasper, Lake Louise, and Calgary.