Bus driver picket line surrounds City of Kelowna lot

KELOWNA – Striking bus drivers have set up a picket line outside their Hardy Street depot in Kelowna and are not allowing City of Kelowna vehicles past.

President of the Amalgamated Transit Union local 1722 Scott Lovell says they decided to exercise their right to protest unfair treatment and have received nothing but support from affected city workers.

The picket line started shortly after noon, Nov. 10, and by 12:30 several large dump trucks, City of Kelowna vans and other commercial trucks were instructed to turn around.

When asked where they are expected to park, Lovell said that is up to the city.

He denies the move is in response to the city's recent statement that they would stay out of negotiations as they are between the union and their employer, First Canada, which is contracted to manage bus systems in Kelowna, West Kelowna, Peachland and Lake Country for B.C. Transit.

The union has three key demands they say are behind the decision to suspend service in the Central Okanagan.

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