Workers last struck the bus lines in 1984 and were ordered back to work after three months. Negotiations broke down this time when TransLink applied to the Labour Relations Board for a ruling forcing the drivers and mechanics to vote on the company's last offer. Last year bus drivers organized several protests and work stoppages against TransLink's decision to cut a bus route and contract it out to Bonny's Taxi Company. The lack of funding comes from them spending money they didn't have. In orientation they told us it would be a long and fulfilling career, and now there is no money to back up their promise.
Riders are supportive.
Everyone says this company has mismanaged the bus system. On the same day as the transit workers' walkout, office workers and security guards who belong to the Office and Professional Employees International Union went on strike. The security guards work for the Sky Train rapid transit system. Other union members who operate the Sky Train have announced they will respect the picket lines. Sky Train bosses said they would ask for a rapid court injunction to end the picketing.