ATU on Strike: Local 1724-Vancouver, BC and Local 1208- Jackson, MS Walk Off the Job
Our Union knows the power of a strike, but only use it as a last resort because we care about our riders who rely on public transit.
As of press time, our Local 1724-Vancouver, BC, HandyDART members and our Local 1208-Jackson, MS, JTRAN members walked off the job in their fight with their private contractors for the fair contracts and better service for their riders.
Transdev Disrespects HandyDART Members and Riders
In Vancouver, our Local 1724 HandyDART members, were fed up after nine months of fruitless bargaining with Translink contractor Transdev.
International President John Costa travelled to Vancouver to join Local 1724 President/Business Agent Joe McCann and our members to launch the strike at a rally of more than 400 members, riders, labour supporters, and elected officials.
Firing up the crowd with a call and response of ‘Who moves this city? We move this city,’ Costa called out Translink and 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. You are making a profit on the backs of workers. The ATU knows Transdev well and their stalling bargaining tactics. Why aren’t at the table getting a deal done now,” Costa said.
Low wages at HandyDART have led to high turnover. The worker shortages have resulted in the use of taxis at HandyDART, which riders have complained do not provide the same door-to-door service.
“We have a hard time understanding why drivers that take care of people with disabilities, or that can’t use public transit, are treated differently than the drivers on conventional transit,” McCann said.
Job Security and Safe Work Environment At-Risk at JTRAN
Our Local 1208-Jackson, MS, members at JTRAN went on strike because of the unfair treatment by private contractor MV Transportation and job security. MV took over running the transit system on January 1 and these issues quickly became a problem.
International President John Costa went to Jackson to visit the strike and call out MV. “It’s time for MV to come to the table to get this deal done now for our riders, our members, and the community,” said Costa. “Contracting out public transit doesn’t work for the people who rely on this service. It jeopardizes safety and service.” Costa also met with Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba to discuss the unfair treatment of our members and urged the Mayor to ask MV to honor our contract.
Our HandyDART and JTRAN members will stand united on their picket lines until they win. Because at the ATU, we “Hold the Line”!