TransLink's labour-relations problems could soon become more complicated.

In the wake of overtime bans by workers at its wholly owned subsidiary bus company, now the regional transportation authority faces the possibility of a labour dispute escalating on two SkyTrain lines.

That's because CUPE Local 7000, which represents more than 900 employees who work on the Expo and Millennium lines, will hold a strike vote on Thursday (November 21).

According to the union, the strike mandate is being sought because B.C. Rapid Transit Company, which is another TransLink subsidiary, refused its latest offer

Under the B.C. Labour Code, the union would have to give 72 hours' notice after a strike vote before it could take any job action.

CUPE Local 7000 president Tony Rebelo said that in a news release that his members are committed to reaching a deal without any disruption to service.

“However, with this latest development and with the employer’s failure to address key issues, CUPE 7000 members have directed the Union to conduct this strike vote,” he stated.

The union also questioned B.C. Rapid Transit Company's claim in a recent news release that it's committed to the bargaining process.

“We responded by adjusting our schedules and offering dates to the company, despite missing some members of the union’s bargaining committee," Rebelo said. "We offered to meet with the Company prior to mediation because our priority is to negotiate a fair deal.

“However, the chief negotiator for BCRTC rejected those dates, didn’t offer alternate dates, and stated that the company will only meet us at mediation," he continued. "So the BCRTC is clearly saying one thing publicly and another thing privately.”

CUPE Local 7000's contract with the employer expired on August 31.