Striking HandyDART workers, operator set talks for Sunday [Video]

The operator of Metro Vancouver’s specialized HandyDART transit system says it will meet with striking workers and a mediator on Sunday in an effort to resolve the dispute that has shut down most of the service.

TransDev Canada says it’s been in contact with the B.C. Labour Relations Board, which had contacted the union in an effort to resolve the contract dispute, and both sides had agreed to the meeting.

TransDev says an essential service agreement means the door-to-door transport system is still available for those with medical conditions who need to get to appointments for cancer, renal or multiple-sclerosis treatments.

Other HandyDART trips in Metro Vancouver have been cancelled for an indefinite period after unionized workers began their strike Tuesday morning.

Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1724 says most of its members are “frustrated,” and rejected the company’s final contract offer last week after dealing with staffing shortages and “poor compensation” compared to other transit employees.