After an 18-day strike, unionized Metro Vancouver HandyDart workers have voted to approve a new agreement with their employer Transdev.
Voting on Monday night, ATU Local 1274-Vancouver members ratified the deal that was made on Friday.
“This is a great day for our members to ratify this contract,” said Local 1724 president Joe McCann.
“Our strike showed the power of fighting for our rights. We are thankful for the outpouring of support from our riders, fellow union members, and elected officials, many of whom walked our picket lines. After months of negotiations, this contract recognizes our members for the heroes they truly are,” McCann added.
The deal comes after more than 600 workers in the region walked off the job on Sept. 8.
The union says the new contract with Transdev pushes back on the use of taxis and comes with a “significant wage increase.”
Transdev is the contracted operator of HandyDART, which serves people who are unable to navigate the conventional transit system.