Solidarity for Vancouver SkyTrain Janitors
“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
Sussanne Skidmore
President of the BC Federation of Labour
“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.”
Stephen von Sychowksi
President of the Vancouver & District Labour Council
The Worker Solidarity Network stands in support with Dexterra Group workers. It is unacceptable that the workers keeping the SkyTrain clean, taken by thousands of people every day, are being denied safe working conditions and basic respect.
Furthermore, these workers are denied proper cleaning equipment. As an organization that focuses on supporting precarious low-wage workers, we know that this affects ALL workers: workers from across Metro Vancouver particularly depend on the SkyTrain to get to work every day and having a clean and safe journey to and from work is a bare minimum. All workers deserve a clean and safe working environment and means of transportation!
The urgency of this issue is pressing. Safe working conditions and the means to maintain clean SkyTrain is needed NOW. The pressure that is already on Dexterra workers is expected to exacerbate with the onslaught of increased visitors for the FIFA World Cup, who will undoubtedly depend on the SkyTrain to get around.
A letter to TransLink from the representatives of the unionized employees who work for TransLink and across the public transit network that operates in Metro Vancouver calling on them to immediately address the issues with the Dexterra Group.