13.17°C Vancouver

Aug 28, 2024 3:47 PM - The Canadian Press

HandyDART workers reject contract offer, union weighing options

Share On
handydart-workers-reject-contract-offer-union-weighing-options
A potential disruption of the door-to-door service was averted Monday, after workers suspended job action to vote on the contract offer.(Photo: The Canadian Press)

Workers at British Columbia's HandyDART transit service have rejected a final contract offer, and their union says it is now considering its next move.

Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1724 has said it would give a 72-hour strike notice if membership voted down the latest offer by Transdev, the contracted operator of HandyDART.

A potential disruption of the door-to-door service was averted Monday, after workers suspended job action to vote on the contract offer.

Local 1724 president Joe McCann called the suspension of job action "a gesture of goodwill" after what the union described as "months of bargaining and escalating job actions" ranging from an overtime ban to refusing to wear uniforms.

Key issues include staffing shortages and high worker turnover.

The two sides have been negotiating since last November.

TransLink, Metro Vancouver's regional transit provider, has said that even if a strike goes ahead, service will continue for people needing rides to medical treatments for cancer and other illnesses.

Latest news

four-arrested-after-alleged-200-000-casino-fraud-scheme-in-vancouver
BCMay 28, 2026

Four arrested after alleged $200,000 casino fraud scheme in Vancouver

Four people have been arrested in Vancouver following an investigation into an alleged casino cheating scheme that police say defrauded a local casino of more than $200,000. The Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia said the arrests were made May 5, one day after investigators were alerted to suspected cheating activity at a Vancouver casino. The investigation began after the Independent Gambling Control Office identified irregularities during casino play, according to a police statement. Police said two men and two women were arrested and later released pending charge a
pm-mark-carney-calls-for-renewed-canada-u-s-partnership-during-new-york-speech
CanadaMay 28, 2026

PM Mark Carney calls for renewed Canada–U.S. partnership during New York speech

Prime Minister Mark Carney called on the United States to build a renewed and stronger partnership with Canada during a speech in New York, saying both countries need deeper cooperation in key sectors amid growing global competition. Carney said Canada is now more resilient and confident than in previous years and positioned the country as a reliable partner for the United States, particularly in the energy sector. He said Canada is capable of helping meet American energy needs while supporting stability in North American supply chains. Addressing the issue of Chinese electric vehicles enterin
CanadaMay 28, 2026

U.S., Canada and Mexico announce joint Ebola travel measures ahead of FIFA World Cup

The United States, Canada and Mexico have announced coordinated travel health measures for visitors arriving from high-risk African regions ahead of the FIFA World Cup, citing growing concerns over the spread of Ebola. In a joint statement, the three host countries said protecting the health and safety of residents and international visitors during the North American tournament remains a top priority. The measures follow a recent World Health Organization declaration warning that an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo could spread to neighbouring countries. According to the Worl
BCMay 28, 2026

Conservative MP introduces bill to repeal B.C. oil tanker ban

Conservative MP David MacKenzie, who represents Calgary Signal Hill, has introduced a private member’s bill in the House of Commons seeking to repeal the federal oil tanker ban along British Columbia’s northern coast. Bill C-264 is currently at second reading. The federal restriction, which came into force in 2019, prohibits oil tankers carrying large quantities of crude oil and certain petroleum products from loading or unloading along much of B.C.’s northern coastline. The legislation was introduced as part of federal marine and environmental protection measures. Speaking in the House
ucp-backs-alberta-remaining-in-canada-after-public-split-over-separation-stance
AlbertaMay 28, 2026

UCP backs Alberta remaining in Canada after public split over separation stance

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says the United Conservative Party supports Alberta remaining in Canada following conflicting public statements from party leadership ahead of a proposed fall referendum on separation. The clarification came after UCP president Rob Smith said earlier this week the party would not take a position on Alberta separation before the vote. Danielle Smith has repeatedly stated she supports Alberta staying within Confederation. In a new statement issued Wednesday, the party said it supports Alberta remaining in Canada and “has always supported that position.” The dis

Related News