CUPE Local 4500, which represents 180 transit workers, initiated job action on January 6th. They have begun refusing overtime and warn of delays, cancellations, and even more crowded buses.
“The Surrey Board of Trade calls for a swift resolution to this job action which could compromise workers, business, and our economy,” said Jasroop Gosal, Policy & Research Manager, Surrey Board of Trade. “Without adequate transportation networks getting our workforce to their jobs, economic productivity is diminished. There has been a huge increase in transit ridership in Surrey, especially as our city’s population continues to grow rapidly. Surrey is already home to four of TransLink’s five most overcrowded bus routes.”
The Surrey Board of Trade offers some advice on transportation alternatives when bus services are compromised:
1. Carpool – set up a company carpool program where you can ride with coworkers.
2. Car Sharing – use car sharing services such as Evo, Zipcar, and Modo.
3. Ridesharing – take an Uber or Lyft.
4. Biking – plan your route and take advantage of bike share programs.
5. Stay informed through the TransLink website.
For employers, flexibility and creativity are required for work schedules and employee arrival times by:
1. Being flexible with an employee’s start time;
2. Opening your business later;
3. Being proactive in finding transportation solutions for your employees; and,
4. Allowing employees to work remotely.
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Jasroop Gosal, 604-634-0345, jasroop@businessinsurrey.com
