Tsawwassen resident and stroke survivor, Sarah Johnson, is feeling the impact of the ongoing HandyDART strike as it enters its second week. Johnson, who relies on the specialized transit service for her daily transportation needs, is one of many individuals who have been left stranded due to the strike.
The HandyDART strike, which began on December 10th, is a result of ongoing contract negotiations between the union representing HandyDART drivers and their employer, First Transit. The union, Unifor Local 111, is seeking better wages and working conditions for its members, who have been without a contract since March 2020.
For Johnson, the strike has been a major inconvenience. As a stroke survivor, she is unable to drive and relies on HandyDART to get to her medical appointments, grocery shopping, and other essential errands. With the strike in effect, she has been forced to rely on friends and family for transportation, which has been a strain on both her and her loved ones.
“I feel like I’m a burden to my friends and family,” Johnson shared. “I don’t want to constantly ask for rides, but I have no other choice.”
Johnson is not alone in her struggles. Many other HandyDART users, including seniors and individuals with disabilities, have been left without reliable transportation during the strike. This has caused significant stress and frustration for those who rely on the service for their daily needs.
In response to the strike, TransLink has implemented a contingency plan, which includes providing limited service through contracted taxi companies. However, this has not been enough to meet the demand, leaving many HandyDART users stranded and unable to access essential services.
The ongoing strike has also raised concerns about the accessibility and reliability of HandyDART services in the long term. With the current contract negotiations at a standstill, it is uncertain when the strike will end and when regular HandyDART services will resume.
In the meantime, Johnson and other HandyDART users are left to navigate the challenges and uncertainties of the strike. As negotiations continue, it is clear that the impact of the HandyDART strike extends far beyond just the union and their employer, but also to the individuals who rely on the service for their daily needs.
