CUPE President Mark Hancock and Secretary-Treasurer Candace Rennick today brought messages of solidarity to Fraser Valley transit workers from the union’s 715,000 workers across Canada, visiting CUPE 561’s picket lines in Burnaby, Chilliwack and Abbotsford on Day 108 of their strike for fair wages and retirement security.
Rennick, visiting the Lougheed Station picket line, also brought a cheque for $25,000 to support workers from the First Transit unit of CUPE 561.
“The fact you have all stayed strong for 108 days is inspiring to us all, and we are behind you every step of the way—no matter how long it takes to get a fair deal,” said Rennick, noting the strength of the National Strike Fund, which allows the union to assist locals through long disputes.
Hancock, saying that these workers deserve wages aligned with other transit workers, noted that the dispute has highlighted the challenges with privatization in the public transit sector.
“The work you do is a valuable public service that our communities depend upon every day,” Hancock told CUPE 561 members in Chilliwack. “It really belongs in the public sector, under public employers.”
After attending roadside demonstrations at all three picket lines, the national officers joined CUPE 561 members for a picnic lunch at the Abbotsford location.
