Edmonton, AB — In a big victory for organized labour, 121 drivers for Canada’s largest on-demand transit system at Pacific Western Transportation (PWT) in Edmonton have overwhelmingly voted to join Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 569 in Edmonton, AB.
“These drivers withstood a really tough campaign by management to stop their attempt to make a union together,” said Local 569 President Steve Bradshaw. “This included having their text messages subpoenaed, being told that they would not receive a scheduled raise if they voted yes, and a full-court press by managers. I am so inspired by these workers standing tall.”
The organizing drive began shortly after the on-demand service launched. A group of the new drivers came into the Local 569 Union Hall looking to join the ATU to give them a voice on the job. Leaders of Local 569 prepared the workers for the type of union busting campaign run that PWT management would wage against the workers.
The Local and the on-demand workers filed the petition for representation in late August. Management filed charges against the Local’s campaign and added new charges every month, effectively conducting a dragnet on the workers, including subpoenaing texts and communications of worker leaders.
The ATU filed charges against the company for violating the freeze period following a certification application. The union proposed to drop all outstanding unfair labour practices and conduct a 2nd vote. On February 8th, that second vote was counted. A supermajority stood together and voted for a union.
“Workers join unions to give them a collective voice on the job to make the kinds of changes that individuals cannot make by themselves,” said ATU International President John Costa. “These drivers work very hard and want the system to succeed. They also want access to industry standards, paid sick days, and better safety conditions for drivers and passengers. Congratulations on this important victory, and welcome to the ATU family.”