HandyDART renews strike threat in B.C.

HandyDART employees in B.C., could soon walk off the job after rejecting a recent offer from their employer.

According to the union, 83 per cent of members recently voted “no deal” on Transdev’s offer.

The decision to reject the offer comes days after the union suspended all job action pending a vote on a final contract offer.

Joe McCann, president of Local 1724 of the amalgamated transit union, told CTV News that they are not close to a deal. He is urging the French company to get back to the table.

“Drivers that help people with disabilities shouldn't be on a different tier and we're paid far below conventional transit, so we're trying to bridge the gap and try to get a little closer,” said McCann.

Earlier this month, the union said that it had been in negotiations with Transdev since last November, In June, its more than 600 members voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action.

Transdev was unable to comment on the specifications of the recent contract on Wednesday but said it was “disappointed” the two sides couldn’t find a resolution and is “assessing” the next steps.

The company said last week in a statement that the offer was tabled "after extensive negotiations," and it is working to rebook trips that were in jeopardy due to the impending work stoppage.

If they do go on strike, it is believed that it would not disrupt service for those needing rides to some medical appointments, including treatments for cancer and other illnesses.

Riders will need friends, neighbours

The HandyDART Riders’ Alliance supports the union – but feels a withdrawal of service will be difficult for many if a strike goes ahead.

“Sometimes their only joy in the day is making a trip and being with their HandyDART driver, and being able to go to an appointment for seeing a friend, go sit in a park on a nice day, go shopping,” HandyDART Riders’ Alliance chair Beth McKellar told CTV News on Wednesday.

If there is a strike, McKellar hopes the community steps up.

“I implore the clients to ask their family, their friends, their neighbours to give them a lift where they need to go, and you’d be surprised how they will help out,” McKellar said.

TransDEV is under contract to operate HandyDART for TransLink until mid-2026 – and McKellar is hoping the transit authority opts to bring the service in house.

She points to the increased level of replacement taxis that are often sent to provide rides when HandyDART isn’t available.

TransLink is currently reviewing the HandyDART delivery model in response to some of the criticism as it tries to figure out whether a change in approach is needed after the TransDEV contract expires.