Vancouver Rundown Wednesday January 24, 2024

Because local news is important and informed people matter - despite what Facebook does

Jan 24, 2024

Summary

Bus drivers in Metro Vancouver say they are being used as ‘cannon fodder’ in a strike by other transit workers including their own supervisors. Unifor’s union leadership points out members of the public are blaming drivers…not understanding that it’s a different union that’s striking. Maintenance workers and supervisors represented by CUPE 4500 started job action on Monday in their dispute with Coast Mountain Bus. Buses and SeaBuses are not running…SkyTrain operations may also grind to a halt in the days ahead.

Other news…

Dozens of self-employed gig workers driving for app-based rideshare and food delivery companies have protested outside B.C. Labour Minister Harry Bains’ Surrey office. The Uber, Lyft, Skip and Door Dash drivers say earnings and working conditions have become worse in the past couple years. They say the provincial government’s promises don’t go far enough to protect those who drive while waiting for their next gig. They also note the workers do not get vacation time, sick days or benefits.

Provincial governments in both B.C. and Ontario are planning to crack down on ‘bad actor’ private colleges that target international students. Complaints filed in B.C. include students arriving in Canada to find broken promises of in-class instruction, housing, and available instructors. This comes after Ottawa announces it plans to cap student visas…slashing the number by a third.

Days after the fact, the RCMP in Chilliwack now say a man was killed in a hit-and-run near Yale and Prest Roads. It apparently happened on Thursday at around 6:00 p.m. The man died at the scene - the suspect was arrested the next day. Police now want public help from witnesses as they go forward with charges.

Rain, heavy at times, is expected until the end of the regular forecast. Oh - there will be some low cloud and fog at times too. Here are the latest conditions from our private weather station in Surrey.