HandyDART Strike Over as Workers Reach Tentative Agreement

ATU Local 1724-Vancouver, BC, Members to Hold Ratification Vote

Vancouver, BC- After an 18-day strike, an aggressive campaign, and months of bargaining, HandyDART workers have reached a tentative agreement with Transdev, the multinational company contracted by Translink to operate the service. The members of Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1724-Vancouver, BC, will hold a ratification vote in the coming days.

On September 3, HandyDART workers launched their strike with a spirited rally attended by ATU International President John Costa, labor leaders from across the region, HandyDART riders, and allies. Since then the two sides have been holding mediated contract talks resulting in this tentative agreement.

"It's been a long fight for our HandyDART members, but since day one of our strike, we have stood strong and we have never been more united," said Local 1724 President/Business Agent Joe McCann. "We nnow have a fair and just contract that narrows the gap between us and conventional transit. It also ensures a safe and reliable transit system for our HandyDART riders who rely on this critical service. We would like to thank our riders in particular, who have shown us overwhelming solidarity during these difficult 18 days."

The new contract includes significant wage increases that would address the staffing shortages, and the Union was also able to push back on the use of taxis through creative language on shift scheduling and reporting.

The Union had been in contract negotiations with Transdev since November 2023. On June 27, 2024, HandyDART workers voted 95% to authorize strike action, with 87% of active members participating in the strike vote overall. Then starting on July 3, HandyDART workers engaged in partial work withdrawals as part of a steady ramp up of job actions. These have included: refusals to wear uniforms; collect fares; work overtime; fill out certain kinds of paperwork; and doing work off the clock.

Among the other key issues were staffing shortages and high worker turnover, which had been more than double that of the rest of Translink, due to poor compensation in comparison to other transit jobs in the region. Worker shortages have been a major factor in the skyrocketing use of taxis at HandyDART, and riders have complained that taxi drivers do not have the same training nor provide the same door-to-door service. This has led to many Mayors and City Councils openly calling for Translink to bring the service in-house in order to improve safety and public accountability.

"I am proud of our HandyDART members. On the picket lines and rallies, I saw firsthand their strength, unity, and solidarity," said International President John Costa. "The result was a strong contract that recognizes the commitment and dedication of our HandyDART members to provide safe and reliable transportation for our seniors and people with disabilities. Our members now have a pathway to the middle class for the critical public service they provide. It was an honor to hold the line with you."