Metro Vancouverites are alarmed about the possibility of a complete shutdown of transit services across TransLink's network.
Bus service slowed to a halt in the wee hours of Monday, Jan. 23 morning, stranding many locals ahead of their commutes to work and school.
The 48-hour job action is slated to expire at 3 a.m. on Wednesday. However, CUPE 4500 -- the union representing transit supervisors, including those overseeing bus drivers and mechanics -- will meet with the BC Labour Relations Board (BCLRB) on Monday, Jan. 29 to discuss a possible expansion of its picket lines to include the SkyTrain.
Many people also feel frustrated that they have missed out on a couple of days' worth of transit that they've paid for. Further, more strike action would mean they miss additional days.
In response to one person's post on X, formerly Twitter, TransLink wrote, "While there have been no talks about fare reimbursement, you can still put in the request."
Another local noted that the union should be ordered back to work because the "transit system is absolutely necessary," and it isn't considering the impact on the general population.
The possibility of an expanded transit strike looms
Many locals are concerned that CMBC hasn't reached an agreement with the union, which means anything can still happen.
One person wrote that the union and CMBC aren't "even meeting again til next Monday, at which point they may shut down the SkyTrain as well."
Some people have already expressed concern about the SkyTrain's operations.
In response, TransLink said the SkyTrain, including the Expo Line, Canada Line and Millennium Line, as well as the West Coast Express will operate as normal.
"At this time, CUPE Local 4500 can only legally picket bus and SeaBus," it wrote in a post on X.
If the union is granted the right to picket at the SkyTrain, it is unclear at this point which lines would be affected and when.
The Expo and Millennium Lines are operated by British Columbia Rapid Transit Company Ltd. and the Canada Line by ProTrans BC on behalf of TransLink; the scope and location of the picketing is up to the union to determine and the BCLRB to approve.
