Today in Vancouver, BC, International President John Costa joined Local 1724-Vancouver, BC, President/Business Agent Joe McCann, and our fed up HandyDART members at a packed rally to begin their strike for a fair contact and better, safer service for their riders.
Firing up the crowd with a call and response of ‘Who moves this city? We move this city,’ Costa called out Translink and HandyDART contractor Transdev. “Public transit is a service for the people. When you try and make a profit it doesn’t work for the people who rely on this service. It jeopardizes safety. You are making a profit on the backs of workers. The ATU knows Transdev well and their stalling bargaining tactics. Why aren’t they at the table getting a deal done now.”
The packed rally at Pacific Central Station of more than 400 ATU HandyDART members, riders, labour supporters, elected officials and transit advocates heard from speakers who pledged their support for our strike and riders. Among the speakers was ATU International Vice President John Callahan, ATU Canada President John Di Nino. BC Federation of Retired Union Members President Sam Wiese, HandyDART Riders’ Alliance founder Beth McKellar, HandyDART rider and advocate Jonathan Ascencio, Secretary-Treasurer of New West District Labour Council Janet Andrews, NDP MP for Port Moody Bonita Zarillo, NDP MP for East Vancouver Jenny Kwan, HSA BC President Kane Tse, President of CUPE BC Karen Ranellata, BCGEU President Paul Finch, Vancouver City Council Member Pete Fry, NDP MP for Vancouver Kingsway Don Davies, HEU Regional Vice President Louella Vincent, Langley City Mayor Nathan Pachal, Rob Ashton, ILWU Canada President, and others.
Our HandyDART members will stand united on their picket lines with the backing and support of our more than 200,000 members. Because at the ATU, we “Hold the Line”! #ATUStrongerTogether