“Kevin Quinn: Hold Dexterra Accountable”: SEIU Local 2 holds rally outside TransLink office

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Sept. 08, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SkyTrain cleaners employed by Dexterra Group who have been sounding the alarm about serious safety concerns about their jobs, came together with their allies for a rally outside the TransLink head office yesterday, says SEIU Local 2.

“TransLink still hasn’t taken action to ensure Dexterra lives up to its contractual obligations to the workers, to the public, and to TransLink itself,” said Sanchit Sharma, SEIU Member and SkyTrain worker since 2023. “They aren't keeping the public or workers safe.”

The janitorial workers on the TransLink SkyTrain system, who are members of SEIU Local 2, are facing ongoing mistreatment, unsafe working conditions, and unjustified layoffs (25 workers to date). Workers say they have repeatedly lacked the necessary supplies to ensure public safety. The janitors are concerned about their health as well as those of TransLink riders.

These concerns have been backed up by WorkSafeBC inspections, with reports outlining several health and safety violations, some of which are still outstanding. 

“We’re making it clear that TransLink has to end their contract with Dexterra,” said Hermender Singh Kailley, Secretary-Treasurer of the BC Federation of Labour, of the cleaning contractor who took over services in February of 2026. “And we’re not alone in this demand: nearly 2-thousand people have signed a petition demanding TransLink take immediate action.”

During the rally, attended by around 60 people, the union attempted to deliver the petition but was blocked by TransLink office security.

The rally was attended by Hermender Singh Kailley, Secretary-Treasurer of the BC Federation of Labour; Stephen von Sychowski, President of the Vancouver and District Labour Council; OneCity Vancouver city council candidates; and members of CUPW, CUPE BC, the BC Federation of Students, the Worker Solidarity Network, TSSU, and the Vancouver Liberals.

For more information, contact:

Daniel Tseghay | Media Contact, SEIU Local 2
dtseghay@seiulocal2.ca | 403-605-5906