March 22, 2023
Dear Members,
I live a pedestrian lifestyle, meaning I rely on transit to get to work, run errands, and connect with loved ones and friends. In other words, access to transit is essential, and our Transit Workers in CUPE 561 should be treated with dignity and fairness. I was saddened to recently learn that CUPE 561 Transit Workers are "BC Transit" staff in name only and not in compensation, benefits, or support. It reminds me of the precariousness of our auxiliary, LTAs, and sessional members – often in name only.
Below we have shared some information regarding the impact and a call to show your solidarity.
We also want to hear from you regarding the impact of this strike so that we can share it with the employer, as this strike action has no end in sight. We know this transit strike severely impacts our members and students. At some point, more needs to be done by the employer to support our community, especially those living a pedestrian lifestyle (one not by choice but circumstance).
We have heard an update from the Fraser Valley Labour Council, and we stand in solidarity with the CUPE 561 Transit Workers who have moved to full strike action on Monday, March 20 except for HandyDART essential service. This action will continue until the local gets a contract.
CUPE 561 has also created a website where you can easily create a letter that is sent to your MLA and the Fraser Valley Regional District. I am hopeful that you will take the time to complete the form and raise awareness to those in a position of power.
https://act.newmode.net/action/cupe561
The following locations will have strike pickets:
- Lougheed Town Centre Station, Burnaby
- Monday-Friday: 6:00 am to 7:00 pm
- Saturday: 8:30 am to 6:00 pm
- Sunday: 10:00 am to 7:30 pm
- Visitors welcome – only 10 picketers allowed at this location so, if you’re planning to stay for a while, check in with Elizabeth Roux (contact below)
- 3032 Gladys Ave., Abbotsford BC
- 24 hours
- Visitors welcome
- 44127 Yale Rd., Chilliwack BC·
-
- 24 hours
- Visitors welcome
- West Coast Express Mission City Station, 33200 N. Railway Ave., Mission
- Monday only: 4:30 am to 8:30 am, and 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm
- Visitors welcome
We will share information as we receive updates and have heard that other locations will be announced after the first week. Their main issues for your understanding of the labour dispute are key quality of life workplace issues: Pay equity, pensions, and work-life balance. You may have heard the radio commercials referring to their demanding and unsustainable split shift workdays. This impacts roughly 200 workers and over 5,000 transit users from Hope to Harrison, Abbotsford, Mission, Langley, and Burnaby. This is the only service out of Hope.
If you would more information on how to support the CUPE 561 Transit Workers, you can contact:
Elizabeth Roux: [email protected] 604-2127-2603
Jane Gibbons: [email protected] 778-680-4691
In Solidarity,
Greg Mather
UFV-FSA President
