After spending ten (10) arduous months of negotiations to bring about a first collective agreement, the members of ATU Local 1724 had enough. With a 97% strike vote mandate, we filed strike notice and on October 26 2009, the members of ATU local 1724 exerted their labour right. The first ever HandyDART strike was in effect.
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Ten weeks of strike, a successful media campaign by the union and these members, and arbitration with Vince Ready brought this strike to a close.
Aftermath: Since the strike, the ridership of HandyDART has dropped by 10 to 15%, due to unreliable service. No fault to the workers of the service who have spent years building it. Clients are having late pickups for their doctor appointments, early pickups while grocery shopping, and sometimes no pickups at all. HandyDART relies on reliability to have a successful, effective service.
MV Transportation is still on the war path against these workers and the union. Many more grievances filed and arbitrations are in play to resolve issues that affect our members paycheques, holidays, pensions, workplace advancements, and in general the lack of respect shown to years of dedication these workers have committed to the HandyDART service. Remember the smooth transition? We are still waiting for it!
We also wish to add, higher then usual turnover of the management staff has added to the instability and familiarity of the service and staff at large. We are hoping this company trend changes.
ARBITRATION / MEDIATION
HEARING BETWEEN: MVT AND ATU
REGARDING: BENEFIT PLANS
HEARING SET FOR OCT 20, 2010
Time 9:30 a.m
Cascadia Hotel 1234 Hornby St. Van.