Unifor, the union representing bus operators and transit maintenance workers, says TransLink would be irresponsible to cut transit operator staffing levels. It adds that the move would do more harm than good during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Unifor notes that the lay-off threats from Translink has Unifor concerned about more crowding, making social distancing on transit more difficult. What's more, they say that pass-ups resulting from COVID-19 precautions that reduce bus capacity are already leading to physical distancing violations and abuse of transit operators.
“Tens of thousands of essential services workers rely on transit to get to work,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. “Cutting transit service would make life even more difficult for working COVID-19 heroes, and ultimately the people they have been dutifully serving.”
Unifor adds that it is calling on all levels of government to come together to maintain transit service levels to keep passengers safe.
“Our elected leaders must sort it out and get it done. All jurisdictions have a role to play to maintain regional transit levels,” said Gavin McGarrigle, Unifor Western Regional Director. “Translink shouldn’t treat the public like guinea pigs in a budget experiment.”
McGarrigle also noted that in many lower wage essential service workplaces such as retail and cleaning, women and workers of colour are over-represented.TransLink is currently seeking emergency relief funding from the Federal and Provincial Governments to offset losses incurred for providing essential transit services during the pandemic. Without emergency funding, the transportation agency says commuters are set to see unprecedented cuts to transit services.
Ben Murphy, TransLink Media Spokesperson, says that, “TransLink and its operating companies have continued to stay in contact with the various unions over the past weeks throughout the COVID-19 crisis, and will continue to do so going forward.”
