HandyDART will ensure customers receive essential services
"We are very disappointed by the ATU's decision to serve a strike notice which will undoubtedly inconvenience customers who rely on our service as their only means of transportation. MVT will do everything we can to take care of customers and continue to provide as many services as we are able," said
Last week, the Labour Relations Board ruled that in the event of a strike by the ATU, HandyDART trips for renal dialysis and cancer patients are essential services and must be provided.
"MVT wants to resume full service for our customers as soon as possible. From day one our goal has been to reach a fair and reasonable collective agreement while avoiding potential service disruptions for customers," said Siragusa.
"In the best interest of our employees and customers, today we have presented a best and final offer which clearly shows MVT's commitment to reaching an agreement," he added.
HandyDART customers are encouraged to visit www.mvtcanada.com or call 604-575-6600 for up-to-date information on service levels.
MVT and ATU have been negotiating since
MVT's HandyDART service provides transportation to customers who are unable to use public transit without assistance, including many seniors, the seriously ill and persons with cognitive or physical disabilities. HandyDART is the only means of transportation for many of its customers.
Background - MVT began HandyDART operation in Metro Vancouver on January 1, 2009 and hired over 99 percent of the 500 existing HandyDART employees. At this time, employees became members of ATU and MVT gave wage parity to all HandyDART drivers which increased wages by up to 16 per cent for 60 percent of the drivers. - HandyDART employees were previously represented by three unions, five collective agreements and seven separate providers. - MVT has also delivered significant improvements to the accessibility and service for customers. Customers now enjoy seamless service across Metro Vancouver's municipalities, better on-time performance and increased trips. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- MVT's best ATU's Prior to MVT and final offer formal demand ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Driver hourly $17.47 to $20.25 $21.00 upon wage Average equals ratification $25.35 $18.86 $21.25 effective January 1, 2010 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Percentage increase in n/a 3.7% to 22% 28% to 44% hourly wage ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Guaranteed 7.5 to 8 hours of pay hrs per day 7.5 hrs 7.5 hrs ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Vacation days 15 to 35 days, 15 to 35 days, 15 to 35 days, depending on years depending on years depending on of service of service years of service ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Medical Service 100% paid by 100% paid 100% paid Plan employer by MVT by MVT ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Extended Heath 100% paid by 100% paid 100% paid employer by employer by employer ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pension Plan Mixed 100% employees 100% employees self-directed RRSP Municipal Pension Plan - 60% of employees - 5% paid by employer Municipal Pension - If employee matches, Plan an additional 2% - 40% of employees to be paid by the RRSP employer for a total of 7% ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Employee 100% paid by 100% paid 100% paid Assistance employer by MVT by MVT Plan -------------------------------------------------------------------------
MVT Canadian Bus is the Canadian subsidiary of MV Transportation Inc., the largest provider of specialized transportation services for seniors and persons with disabilities in the
For further information: For further information: Zdenka Buric, (604) 619-4344 or [email protected]
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