Metro Vancouver HandyDART employees are planning to go on strike and hold a rally after their latest offer was rejected by their employer.
The decision to strike was made after the union representing HandyDART workers, Unifor Local 111, rejected the latest offer from First Transit, the company that operates the HandyDART service on behalf of TransLink.
According to Unifor, the offer did not address the key issues that the workers have been fighting for, including fair wages, benefits, and working conditions.
In a statement, Unifor Local 111 President Balbir Mann stated, “Our members are dedicated to providing essential transportation services for people with disabilities and we are disappointed that First Transit has not recognized their hard work and commitment.”
The strike is set to begin on Wednesday, December 16 at 12:01 a.m. and will affect approximately 220 HandyDART workers in Metro Vancouver.
The workers will be joined by supporters and community members at a rally outside the TransLink headquarters in New Westminster on Tuesday, December 15 at 11 a.m.
The union is calling on TransLink to intervene and put pressure on First Transit to come back to the bargaining table with a fair offer.
In response to the strike, TransLink has stated that they are disappointed and concerned about the potential impact on HandyDART users. They have also assured that they are working on contingency plans to minimize the impact on customers.
HandyDART is a vital service for people with disabilities who rely on it for transportation to medical appointments, work, and other essential activities. The strike could have a significant impact on these individuals and their ability to access necessary services.
This is not the first time that HandyDART workers have gone on strike. In 2019, they went on strike for three days before reaching a tentative agreement with First Transit.
The union is hopeful that a similar resolution can be reached this time, but they are prepared to continue the strike until their demands are met.
As the strike and rally approach, the union is urging First Transit and TransLink to come to the table and negotiate a fair deal for the hardworking HandyDART employees.
