The union representing Metro Vancouver transit workers says it’s launching a legal challenge against recent TransLink layoffs.
On Monday, TransLink announced that it would be temporarily laying off 1,492 employees citing loss of $75 million per month because of COVID-19.
Around 1,200 transit operators and maintenance staff, who work for Coast Mountain Bus Company (CMBC) – a subsidiary of TransLink – represented by Unifor were included in the job cuts.
The union represents over 5,000 Metro Vancouver transit workers.
Unifor said Thursday it will use the B.C. Labour Code to challenge CMBC’s lay-off notices and will argue that CMBC breached labour code relations by not giving 60 days’ notice.
“We’re not going to let the employer cut corners when it comes to layoffs of this magnitude. They should know better,” said Balbir Mann, president of Unifor Local 111, which represents transit operators.
The union said it will seek to have those layoffs rescinded, or at minimum pay workers during the 60 days.
During a virtual TransLink mayors’ council meeting Thursday, the transit authority said its estimated 2020 revenue shortfalls will be $570 million to $680 million. The company also projected massive shortfalls of up to $885 million in 2021 if there is no emergency relief from senior governments.
TransLink said it is considering further service cuts, on top of those announced this week with the layoffs. On Monday, the transit authority also announced service on bus routes has been further reduced or suspended, and SkyTrain, SeaBus and West Coast Express service reduced.
Unifor is urging members of the public to contact their members of parliament about the need for federal emergency funding for transit.
