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Nearly 5,000 transit workers in Metro Vancouver represented by Unifor ended 26-days of job action on November 27, 2019, when a tentative agreement was reached on the eve of a three-day transit system shutdown.
Here’s how they got it done under deadline.
“We used every tool we had to build support and get a fair contract. Transit operators deserve safe and healthy work environments, but also because we believe in the importance of a well-funded public transit system,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President, who was instrumental in closing the deal at the late-night deadline, narrowly averting a full shutdown of Metro Vancouver’s transit system.
Today, transit workers remain on the front lines of the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, keeping customers connected to essential services.
The solidarity that was built through the bargaining campaign continues to strengthen local unions as they face the challenges of the public health emergency.
“Our members took collective action to reach this deal but public outreach and support was critical to getting the employer to understand the broad support for our contract proposals,” said Gavin McGarrigle, Western Regional Director.
Unifor members can support transit operators, and all COVID-19 Heroes, by abiding by the advice of public health officials to practice social distancing, and by applying this new Facebook frame to their profiles.
