The Surrey Board of Trade is expressing “profound concern” regarding the looming threat of a strike by the union representing approximately 180 transit supervisors that would shut down bus and SeaBus services.
A strike will disrupt the lives of the city’s business community and their workforce, who heavily rely on transit services each day, according to an SBoT release.
“The Surrey Board of Trade calls for a swift resolution to this job action which could compromise workers, businesses, and our economy,” said Anita Huberman, president and CEO of the Surrey Board of Trade, in the release.
“In the absence of robust transportation networks facilitating the seamless commute of our workforce to their places of employment, the efficacy of economic productivity experiences a decline,” she said.
”If a strike should occur, the B.C. government needs to step in to ensure swift resolution and to ensure that TransLink services are prioritized as critical services that need to continue so that our economy isn’t halted.”
READ MORE: Talks resume Saturday to avoid potential B.C. bus strike
Huberman noted there has been a substantial surge in transit ridership within Surrey, particularly amidst the rapid expansion of the city’s population.
“It is noteworthy that Surrey presently hosts four of TransLink’s five most congested bus routes.”
The Surrey Board of Trade offers some advice on transportation alternatives when bus services are compromised:
• Carpool – set up a company carpool program where you can ride with coworkers.
• Car Sharing – use car sharing services such as Evo, Zipcar, and Modo.
• Ridesharing – take an Uber or Lyft.
• Biking – plan your route and take advantage of bike share programs.
• Stay informed through the TransLink website
For employers, flexibility and creativity are required for work schedules and employee arrival times by:
• Being flexible with an employee’s start time;
• Opening your business later;
• Being proactive in finding transportation solutions for your employees; and,
• Allowing employees to work remotely.
