Sisters and Brothers

So much has happened in the first six months that I have been behind the wheel as president of ATU local 1724.
There are multiple issues ongoing:

Negotiations

Our local is preparing for negotiations. An employee survey is being edited and will be out soon. The Collective Agreement expires July 1, 2019. We are committed to communicating with our members. The Collective Agreement outlines when negotiations may begin, we intend to be ready.

Office

There have been multiple and ongoing meetings and grievances in which we are attempting to resolve ongoing issues. We welcome office workers to union meetings where these issues are discussed.

Drivers

Scheduling has been the ongoing cause of massive stress for our drivers. We have contacted TransLink and First Canada in this regard. Three drivers have attended round table meetings initiated by the HandyDART Riders Alliance. TransLink has stated that they will include ATU 1724 in ongoing dialogue regarding scheduling.

Scheduling has been the ongoing cause of massive stress for our drivers. We have contacted TransLink and First Canada in this regard. Three drivers have attended round table meetings initiated by the HandyDART Riders Alliance. TransLink has stated that they will include ATU 1724 in ongoing dialogue regarding scheduling.

The Collective Agreement outlines language regarding breaks and over time. It is important that members understand and assert the language. You cannot be forced to do work that is unsafe or doesn’t adhere to the Collective Agreement.

“We shouldn’t have to negotiate every day”. Drivers experience and knowledge of the road should be respected. You have every right to assert the Collective Agreement and cannot be “forced” to do work that contravenes the collective agreement or your safety.

Passengers suffer when “bad schedules look good”.

Maintenance

Often the maintenance department is below the radar. It is important that we make sure that those that keep us safe are heard and appreciated. We want to hear from the maintenance department and will continue to reach out to them. it is our hope that workers take time to introduce themselves.

Union meetings are a fantastic opportunity for us to hear and meet each other.