April 6, 2026
Justice for Vancouver SkyTrain Janitors
Visit our updates page for upcoming public actions.
About Us
SkyTrain cleaners are sounding the alarm about a litany of workplace violations and safety concerns on the TransLink system. The workers say countless issues have arisen since Dexterra Group took over the cleaning contract on February 1, 2026, including being instructed to clean washrooms with water alone at one point.
Raising these infractions with Dexterra has resulted in dismissive and disrespectful responses from management. The TransLink Board has refused to meet directly with the workers and their Union, despite repeated requests.
Share our Story
Workers Voice's
“When a company cuts jobs, ignores safety concerns, and pressures workers about their union, it sends a message that workers don’t matter. But we do matter – and we’re standing together.”
Sanchit Sharma
SkyTrain cleaner
“This is unhealthy for all of us here. We’ll fight to the end until something happens. We’re standing together and we want people to stand with us.”
Boluwatife Shobiye
SkyTrain cleaner (Laid off)
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), administers tax, benefits, and related programs for the Government of Canada and for most provinces and territories.
Lenna McVeety
SkyTrain cleaner
The Issues
Since Dexterra Group assumed the contract on February 1, 2026, workers have reported:
Being instructed to clean washrooms and public spaces with only water, due to inconsistent supply of proper cleaning supplies.
Unsafe chemical storage, with missing labels and lack of WHMIS information, and supervisors ignoring TransLink safety rules, including required PPE.
Being directed to work in dangerous areas near active tracks without proper protection.
Severe understaffing, leaving workers alone in stations and responsible for multiple locations.
Bullying, harassment, and intimidation by management including attempts to pressure workers to decertify from their union.
SEIU Local 2 has filed numerous grievances, including allegations Dexterra management has repeatedly bullied, harassed, and intimidated workers. The Union also alleges Dexterra has unjustifiably laid off janitorial staff – 25 to date – causing a significant increase in workload for remaining employees, and escalating safety risks in what is already a difficult and hazardous job.
In some cases, Dexterra has failed to provide even the most basic necessities required by the workers to complete tasks, such as cleaning products. Workers have reported having to clean washrooms with water alone. When these chemical cleaning products have been made available to staff, they are often stored in an unsafe manner.
A grievance has also been filed against Dexterra for failing to pay wages on payday; discriminating against workers based on union membership; making coercive and intimidating anti-union statements; and undermining the Union’s status as exclusive bargaining agent.
The FIFA World Cup
Dexterra has severely understaffed the workforce to what cleaners say are unsafe levels. Adding urgency to the workers’ concerns is the upcoming 2026 World Cup. With Vancouver set to be a host city, we will have a large influx of visitors and our public transit system will come under increased pressure. Dexterra should be adding and training additional staff, not laying them off.
What needs to happen
Immediately meet with a worker delegation and their union representatives.
Ensure their contractor ends all forms of bullying, harassment, and union intimidation.
Ensure their contractor ends all forms of bullying, harassment, and union intimidation.
Ensure their contractor enforces proper health and safety standards, including WHMIS compliance.
Instruct their contractor to immediately halt layoffs and ensure safe staffing levels across the system.
Petition to Translink
SkyTrain janitors are speaking up for their rights and for public safety.
The TransLink Board has refused to meet directly with the workers and their Union, despite repeated requests. As the Board, they have a responsibility to ensure public safety and workers’ basic rights on Metro Vancouver's transportation network.
Join us in calling on TransLink to meet with the janitors to address the important issues they have raised.
In the news
Dexterra cleaners across Metro Vancouver vote to strike
Strike rally will begin at McArthurGlen Designer Outlet by the Airport on April 2nd
April 2, 2026
SkyTrain cleaners allege layoffs and ‘water-only’ cleaning practices under new contractor
Daily Hive
Mar 29, 2026
March 29, 2026
SkyTrain cleaners rally to demand better working conditions ahead of FIFA
CityNews
March 25, 2026
March 25, 2026
Community rallies in solidarity with janitorial staff at Metrotown Station
Janitorial workers employed by Dexterra Group to clean Vancouver’s Skytrain took the streets in Metro Vancouver on march 24 to demand
March 25, 2026
With the World Cup around the corner, members are blowing the whistle on Dexterra Group in Vancouver
Public Rally on Tuesday March 24!
March 23, 2026
Solidarity
The community has been speaking out in support of SkyTrain janitors.
Ready to take the next step? Check out what others are saying and provide your own statement of support.
“I take public transit every day, whether it’s to go to work, meet friends and family, or to get groceries. I was shocked and disappointed to find out that the workers keeping the trains I take every day are being treated so poorly and not even given the right equipment to properly keep these spaces clean! Unionbusting workers that keep our city functioning needs to end now, I’m calling on TransLink and Dexterra to address these issues and listen to their workers ASAP!”
Jiyoon Ha
TransLink Rider
“Our transit systems are one of the most renowned across the country. It’s a shame to host a major international event and know that the workers who are doing their best to maintain our public spaces are treated so unfairly. Dexterra and all workers have a fundamental right to a safe and healthy work environment. As a frequent SkyTrain user, I join the calls for respect for Dexterra workers NOW!”
Kris
TransLink Rider
“Savings on the backs of the workers who make our transit system run and keep it safe and clean are unacceptable. Dexterra, Skytrain, TransLink, and the government must all be held to account for what is happening in our public transit system.”
