Metro Vacouver HandyDART strike ends following tentative agreement: union

The union representing striking HandyDART workers has announced the labour dispute is over.

The Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1724 says a tentative agreement has been reached with Transdev — the company contracted by TransLink to operate HandyDART — after an 18-day strike and bargaining.

“It’s been a long fight for our HandyDART members, but since day one of our strike, we have stood strong, and we have never been more united,” said Joe McCann, president of Local 1724.

“We now have a fair and just contract that narrows the gap between us and conventional transit. It also ensures a safe and reliable transit system for our HandyDART riders who rely on this critical service. We would like to thank our riders in particular, who have shown us overwhelming solidarity during these difficult 18 days.”

HandyDART employees walked off the job Sept. 3, delivering rides only for people who needed to get to cancer and MS treatments and to kidney dialysis.

The biggest sticking point for workers was wages. The union says significant wage increases are included in the proposed deal, and they are hoping that will address staffing shortages.

Union members are set to hold a ratification vote “in the coming days,” the ATU said.