Dedicated accessible transit service vote for strike

Transit operators who assist disabled Edmontonians have voted for potential strike action over the weekend.

Advocates for those who depend on transportation and the transit union say, these operators do much more than drive.

“Doing extra tasks and extra awareness and training that’s needed for a service like that over big bus drivers,” explained Zachary Weeks, board member of Voice of Albertans with Disabilities.

Dedicated accessible transit service – commonly called ‘DATS’ — provides accessible transit buses for passengers who may not comfortably use public transit.

Operators want a raise of $2.68/per hour raises from city taxpayers.

Transit union leaders claim the extra money would put them on par with Edmonton Transit drivers.

If the threatened strike goes through, it would be rotating – meaning not all drivers would be off the job at the same time. But it would still create hardship for those who depend on the service.

“It’s not like everybody is running around with a wheelchair van that is able to accommodate a mobility device like a wheelchair or a scooter and quite frankly, it shouldn’t be on friends and family to cover for the city,” said Weeks.

Union leaders claim there’s no reason DATS drivers should be paid less than ETS operators.

“It feels like a bias hangover from a generation or more ago. Do they do more than a normal operator? Yes, they do. Their job is very physical for starters, they’re wheeling wheelchairs up and down ramps and they have a caregiver role in their work,” said Steve Bradshaw.

CityNews reached out to the City of Edmonton for a comment. A spokesperson responded, “City employees and Edmontonians should be assured that lawful labour disruption is not imminent; the City is committed to reaching a renewed collective agreement that is fair and equitable for ATU DATS, the City and taxpayers.”

Strike action could come at the end of the month, but negotiations continue.