Unifor, the union representing bus operators and transit maintenance workers, says it will host a 'virtual rally' online Saturday to call on provincial and federal governments to provide emergency funding to prevent transit layoffs and maintain service levels.
Last week, Unifor stated that layoffs and slashed service levels will result in more crowding, making social distancing on transit more difficult.
The union states that urban transit systems are a vital link in the pandemic response, and an important part of fighting the spread of COVID-19 on a daily basis. In Vancouver alone, they state that roughly 50,000 essential service workers regularly rely on public transit to get to work.
Earlier this week, TransLink announced that it is losing $75 million per month with ridership down by 83%. As such, it stated that it will issue temporary layoff notices to 1,492 employees. These employees work in various positions at TransLink, Coast Mountain Bus Company, and British Columbia Rapid Transit Company.
Now, Unifor is calling on the provinical and federal government to provide emergency aid for 'ailing transit systems' and hosting an "Online Virtual Rally for Public Transit."
“Transit service rollbacks must be stopped,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. “The federal government needs to act fast. It is a mistake to weaken the public transit system while tens of thousands of essential workers rely on it every day.”
The online rally is set to take place on Unifor Canada's Facebook page Saturday, April 25 at 10 a.m. The rally will begin with an introduction from Dias and Gavin McGarrigle, Unifor Western Regional Director. Following this, they'll take questions from transit riders and members of the media.
#PeopleNeedTransit Virtual Rally / Online Virtual Rally for Public Transit
When: Saturday, April 25 at 10 a.m.
Where: Facebook.com/UniforCanada
Cost: Free to attend
Find out more information here.
Read the original article here.
