Local 1724 HandyDART Workers Reject Latest Contract Offer

ATU Local 1724 contemplates next course of action in attempt to reach a fair contract for workers

Vancouver, BC - After a strike threat, escalating job actions, and months of bargaining, frustrated HandyDART workers have rejected the latest contract offer from Transdev, the multinational company contracted by Translink to operate the service.

The rejection of the contract comes just days after HandyDART workers, members of Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1724-Vancouver, BC, were going to walk off the job before Transdev put forth their latest new contract proposal. The Union is now weighing options to secure the fair and just contract HandyDART workers deserve.

"This vote sends a powerful message to Transdev and Translink that they must do better if they expect us to ratify a contract," said Local 1724 President/Business Agent Joe McCann. "This offer did not address the fundamental issues crucial to our well-being and the integrity of our work. We stand united in our pursuit of fair wages, improved benefits, and better working conditions.

The Union has 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 key issues are staffing shortages and high worker turnover, which is 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.

"Our HandyDART workers have spoken loud and clear, Transdev needs to come to the table with what our members need so they can afford to live where they work," said ATU International President John Costa. "It's time for the company to address the concerns and priorities of our members. Our members won't give up until they secure a contract that reflects and values their contributions to metro Vancouver."