the Transit Operators and Maintenance Workers of Greater Vancouver and Victoria joined the Amalgamated Association of Street, Electrical Railway and Motor Coach Employees of America (renamed Amalgamated Transit Union – ATU – in 1964) under the Charters of Division 101-134 and Division 109.
Our Membership felt that the ATU was focusing too many of its resources on American Transit Workers, which drew heavily upon the per-capita dues levied upon Canadian Transit Workers. Subsequently, a small group of our more progressive unionists rallied to create the Independent Canadian Transit Union (ICTU).
The ICTU succeeded as the Union representing Victoria and Vancouver’s Transit Workers – ICTU Locals 1-3 were given their charters. ICTU Local 3 represented approximately 320 Members in Victoria in 1982.
We continued to expand our Membership and fight for fair wages and better working conditions. ICTU’s National Executive, however, focused its scope on expansion, continuing to engage in offensive raiding tactics. Unfortunately, ICTU National fueled these raids and subsequent legal battles with Members’ dues. The Members of ICTU 3 quickly saw that the ICTU Executive focused on empire building, not the rank-and-file members.
ICTU Locals 1-3 were disconcerted with the trajectory of ICTU. When BC Transit and the NDP government relinquished their operation of Metro Vancouver transit services to the newly formed Greater Vancouver Transportation Authority, the ICTU Local 3 Executive saw an opportunity to recertify under the Canadian Auto Workers Union (CAW).
In 1999, CAW Local 333 was given its charter and continued to be proud CAW unionists from 1999 to 2013, when the Canadian Auto Workers union merged with the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada (CEP) to form Unifor.
Unifor Local 333-BC continues to stand in solidarity to advance the working conditions of all Road Transport Sector workers, advocating tirelessly for fair treatment and equitable opportunities. Through strong representation and active engagement, we ensure every member's voice is heard and valued.