Multiple roles, skill set required go far beyond customer service duties, says union
BURNABY— Despite having the highest visibility among employees of BC Rapid Transit Company (BCRTC), SkyTrain Attendants and the work they do remain a mystery for much of the riding public who depend on the service they provide every day. That perception is about to change, thanks to a new campaign by Local 7000 of the Canadian Union of Public Employees.
Launching today, the ad campaign will run on SkyTrain platforms, digital billboards, and online digital and social media networks throughout the Lower Mainland. It will be rolled out in three phases over several weeks in September, October, and December.
By shedding light on the broad and diverse range of duties that SkyTrain Attendants perform, says the union, the campaign hopes to demonstrate how these workers keep the system running smoothly while enhancing rider experience.
“The words ‘customer service’ appear on the back of these workers’ vests, but what our members do amounts to so much more than that,” says CUPE 7000 President Tony Rebelo.
“Our members are qualified to operate the trains, get stalled trains moving again, clear obstructed tracks, and solve various other technical issues. They are also trained to assist transit users and get them the help they need in the event of a medical emergency or a security issue.”
By increasing public awareness of some of the challenges CUPE 7000 SkyTrain Attendants face during an average workday, adds Rebelo, the campaign will reinforce the importance of these workers to the rapid transit system as a whole.
CUPE 7000 represents more than 1,000 workers at BCRTC, helping transport 350,000 people a day on the Expo and Millennium Lines. These members work in Operations, Maintenance, and Administration.
