Metro Vancouver HandyDART workers rallied outside TransLink headquarters Tuesday as part of their ongoing job action, calling on the transit provider to intervene in the dispute.
The union representing the workers says mediated talks with their employer, Transdev, failed to meet their demands Sunday.
“We’re having no luck at the bargaining table. We’re here to pressure TransLink to step in and fix this mess with privatization and the for-profit nature of Transdev. We feel it’s time they stepped in and did something to end this trip because it’s not looking good,” Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1724 President Joe McCann told CityNews Tuesday.
He says he wants TransLink to force Transdev to offer a fair and comparable rate to other paratransit employees across Canada.
In a statement to CityNews Tuesday, TransLink says it won’t be getting involved, adding that Transdev is under contract to operate HandyDART in Metro Vancouver until mid-2026.
McCann says that contract is a “failed experiment,” with a for-profit system that he claims draws funds out of the British Columbian economy.
“Today is the third strike in two years under Transdev,” said McCann. “And in my book, three strikes: you’re out.”
On Monday, it was reported that the employer left mediation talks at the Labour Board just after 8 p.m. Sunday to consider the union’s latest proposal.
The union says it was informed through the mediator that Transdev won’t be able to meet and provide a counterproposal until Sept. 12, while the ATU says it was willing to negotiate around the clock.
“I don’t know why we took such a big break between,” said McCann.
In a statement to CityNews Tuesday, Transdev confirmed, “In the meantime, strike action will be maintained and essential services provided to customers.”
Transdev apologized for the disruption to services caused by the strike.
“I’d love to wrap this up and get back to work,” said McCann.
“I’m not feeling confident Transdev’s ready to come to the table and do what needs to be done.”
McCann thanked the public for their support and patience during the strike and urged people to consider the value of transit workers.
“I can’t say it’s going to be a short strike any longer, so everyone out there… ask questions of your elected officials. Please, please reach out and let them know how you feel about the strike,” he said.
–With files from Monika Gul and The Canadian Press.