The pending sale of First Transit, the company that operates the Kelowna Regional Transit System, to a French-based firm is concerning to the union representing workers in the Central Okanagan.

Transdev Group has signed an agreement to acquire First Transit91裸聊视频檚 Canadian and U.S. operations. Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) 1722 President, Al Peressini has been briefed on the sale by the union91裸聊视频檚 international president.

91裸聊视频淚t is a little bit concerning, said Peresinni. 91裸聊视频淭his is the fifth management company that91裸聊视频檚 been in Kelowna. This Transdev is out of France, another foreign company, so all the profits will be going to France now.91裸聊视频�

First Transit is currently owned by Swedish global investment firm EQT. Transdev operates in 18 countries, including Canada, running transit systems in Quebec and Ontario. Peressini said he doesn91裸聊视频檛 expect the sale will affect a plan to prevent the renewal of First Transit91裸聊视频檚 contract, which expires in March 2023. That issue came to light on Oct. 5 at a news conference during a one-day transit strike, and was brought up by outgoing mayor Colin Basran.

91裸聊视频淎s a result of conversations we91裸聊视频檝e had with BC Transit, that will not be happening,91裸聊视频� said Basran at the time. 91裸聊视频淲e have started conversations with the transport minister on what a new service delivery model may look like for our community.91裸聊视频�

Peressini added those plans are still in play.

91裸聊视频淚 haven91裸聊视频檛 been able to find out if that extension has been given or not. I91裸聊视频檝e asked some questions and I91裸聊视频檓 getting different answers.91裸聊视频�

He said he91裸聊视频檚 hopeful BC Transit will agree to make the Kelowna regional system public again, and the union will be looking to city council for support.

91裸聊视频淭here91裸聊视频檚 a lot of transit-friendly councillors and they were all for it, so we91裸聊视频檒l be calling them,91裸聊视频� said Peressini.

The union has been involved in a labour dispute with First Transit which culminated in a one-day strike on Oct. 5. The two sides have agreed to let Vancouver-based arbitrator Ken Saunders settle their dispute. Peressini said the sale does not affect the mediation.

91裸聊视频淒ecember 15 and 16, we have set some firm dates with Mr. Saunders.91裸聊视频�

The sale of First Transit to Transdev will take 60 to 90 days to go through the regulatory process before it can be approved.

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gary.barnes@kelownacapnews.com
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