On January 6, 2021, in North Vancouver, B.C., a HandyDART driver assists an elderly individual using a mobility scooter after a drop-off. The photo is credited to Darryl Dyck, The Canadian Press.
Tim Louis, a key figure behind the creation of HandyDART, is standing firmly with workers as their strike in Metro Vancouver enters its second day. HandyDART is a vital door-to-door transportation service for individuals with disabilities, and its staff members are seeking fair treatment and pay.
Louis, a former Vancouver city councillor and a longtime advocate for people with disabilities, emphasized that HandyDART drivers face greater challenges than conventional bus drivers, and they should be compensated fairly for their efforts. He expressed his full support for the striking workers, stating, "I am behind you 100 per cent."
The strike, which has halted most of HandyDART's operations in Metro Vancouver, has allowed only limited services for essential medical appointments. Negotiations between the workers’ union and their employer, Transdev Canada, are set to begin on Sunday with a mediator. However, the outcome of these talks remains uncertain.
Joe McCann, the president of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1724, remains cautiously optimistic about the upcoming negotiations. Still, he admits it's hard to predict whether a resolution will be reached during the weekend talks.
McCann explained that 83 per cent of the union's members rejected Transdev's last offer. He hopes the company will return to the table with a better proposal, one that workers can accept. "We need to close that gap," McCann said, emphasizing that the union is striving to secure a fair deal for its members.
The strike has brought attention to longstanding issues within the HandyDART system. Many drivers feel that their pay has lagged behind that of other transit workers, despite the demanding nature of their work. For Louis, this disparity is unacceptable. He has been advocating for the service and its drivers since he helped launch HandyDART in 1981.
Transdev responded to the strike by stating that their goal is to achieve a fair contract that considers the needs of everyone involved, including employees, HandyDART clients, and taxpayers. The company has expressed a willingness to engage in negotiations, but it remains to be seen if a mutually satisfactory agreement can be reached.
The strike has disrupted a crucial service that many people rely on, highlighting the essential role HandyDART drivers play in the community. As the situation unfolds, the union, workers, and the community will be watching closely to see if a resolution can be reached that addresses the drivers’ demands for fair wages and treatment.
