CUPE 7000, the union representing 900 SkyTrain workers, has announced that it has reached a tentative agreement with the BC Rapid Transit Company (SkyTrain) and will not proceed with strike action.
On Saturday, Dec. 7, CUPE 7000 stated that it would proceed with a full "withdrawal of services" on Tuesday, Dec. 10 if an agreement was not made.
The system shutdown was set tp begin on Tuesday at 5 a.m., and normal service were to resume on Friday at 5 a.m. However, a new tentative agreement was reached early this morning following a marathon bargaining session between both parties.
CUPE 7000 President Tony Rebelo said that the eleventh-hour deal goes a long way to address many of the union’s concerns going into this latest round of bargaining, but that details of the tentative agreement would not be released until both parties have ratified it.
“Both parties worked long and hard throughout the weekend, Monday, and in to Tuesday morning to get this deal done,” Rebelo said of the new agreement, reached just before 5 a.m. when a full shutdown of the Expo and Millennium lines was set to begin.
“We couldn’t have done it without the assistance of mediator Grant McArthur, so we thank him for his patience and wisdom throughout these talks,” said Rebelo. “I also want to thank my local bargaining committee and CUPE National staff for their efforts. Now it’s up to the members to ratify this agreement, which I can strongly recommend.”
In response, Michael Ladrak, President of BC Rapid Transit Company, stated that it was great news for customers who depend on SkyTrain services. He added that there would be some delays on the Expo and Millennium lines in the morning, and thanked customers for their patience.
“BC Rapid Transit Company is pleased to announce it has reached a negotiated, tentative deal with CUPE 7000, which represents about 900 SkyTrain employees including station attendants and maintenance trades workers."
CUPE 7000 represents approximately 900 SkyTrain workers who provide service as SkyTrain attendants and control operators as well as administration, maintenance, and technical staff. The last contract expired on August 31, 2019.
