7.91°C Vancouver

Sep 12, 2024 5:07 PM - The Canadian Press

Talks on today over HandyDART strike affecting vulnerable people in Metro Vancouver

Share On
talks-on-today-over-handydart-strike-affecting-vulnerable-people-in-metro-vancouver
No timeline has been set for the length of the negotiations, but Joe McCann, president of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1724, says they are willing to stay there as long as it takes, even if talks drag on all night.(Photo: The Canadian Press)

Mediated talks between the union representing HandyDART workers in Metro Vancouver and its employer, Transdev, are set to resume today as a strike that has stopped most services drags into a second week.

No timeline has been set for the length of the negotiations, but Joe McCann, president of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1724, says they are willing to stay there as long as it takes, even if talks drag on all night.

About 600 employees of the door-to-door transit service for people unable to navigate the conventional transit system have been on strike since last Tuesday, pausing service for all but essential medical trips.

Hundreds of drivers rallied outside TransLink’s head office earlier this week, calling for the transportation provider to intervene in the dispute with Transdev, which was contracted to oversee HandyDART service.

Transdev said earlier this week that it will provide a reply to the union’s latest proposal on Thursday.

A statement from the company said it “strongly believes” that their employees deserve fair wages, and that a fair contract “must balance the needs of their employees, clients and taxpayers."

Latest news

public-safety-minister-says-more-safeguards-needed-against-alleged-foreign-interference-linked-to-india
CanadaFeb 26, 2026

Public Safety Minister says more safeguards needed against alleged foreign interference linked to India

Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree says Canada still has work ahead to ensure individuals acting on behalf of India are not intimidating or coercing people on Canadian soil. Speaking to reporters during Mark Carney’s visit to India, Anandasangaree said there remain unresolved concerns related to the safety and security of Canadians. His comments follow questions about whether agents connected to the Indian government are currently involved in extortion or threats of violence in Canada. A senior federal official, speaking on background during the same briefing, said Ottawa believes su
AlbertaFeb 26, 2026

Human remains found near Eden Valley identified as 24 year old Calgary man, RCMP say

Alberta RCMP say human remains discovered earlier this month near a historic site south of Eden Valley have been identified as a 24 year old man from Calgary. Officers were called on February 4 after emergency crews responded to a grass fire in the rural area. Once the flames were extinguished, first responders located a burned out vehicle at the scene. A body was later found inside the vehicle. Mounties have not publicly released the man’s name, citing the ongoing investigation and the need to notify family members. Police also have not confirmed the cause of death. RCMP say the circumstanc
u-s-vice-president-says-federal-medicaid-payments-to-minnesota-paused-amid-fraud-probe
WorldFeb 26, 2026

U.S. Vice-President says federal Medicaid payments to Minnesota paused amid fraud probe

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will temporarily suspend part of Minnesota’s Medicaid funding while federal officials investigate suspected fraud, Vice-President JD Vance said on Wednesday. Vance described the step as part of a broader effort by the administration to address what it calls “waste, fraud and abuse” in federally supported programs. The funding pause affects certain federal matching dollars that help the state deliver Medicaid services to eligible residents. Medicaid is the principal public health insurance program for low-income Americans. According to fede
b-c-urges-swift-senate-approval-of-bill-c-12-amid-concerns-over-extortion-cases
BCFeb 26, 2026

B.C. urges swift Senate approval of Bill C-12 amid concerns over extortion cases

The British Columbia government is calling on federal lawmakers to move quickly on proposed legislation aimed at preventing organized crime groups from exploiting Canada’s immigration system while involved in extortion and other serious offences. Public Safety and Solicitor General Nina Krieger has written to federal Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree and to the Standing Senate Committee on National Security, Defence and Veterans Affairs, urging the Senate to advance Bill C-12 without delay. The province says the proposed reforms would address legal gaps that have been used by some i
iran-and-united-states-to-resume-nuclear-talks-in-switzerland-amid-rising-regional-tensions
WorldFeb 26, 2026

Iran and United States to Resume Nuclear Talks in Switzerland Amid Rising Regional Tensions

Iran and the United States are preparing to begin a third round of negotiations in Switzerland aimed at reviving discussions around Tehran’s nuclear program, even as tensions between the two countries continue to rise. Officials from both sides say they prefer a political and diplomatic resolution to the long running dispute. The talks are scheduled to begin in Geneva, where Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held a meeting Wednesday with Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi. Oman has previously played a mediating role between Washington and Tehran. Iranian officials described the m

Related News