SkyTrain cleaners allege layoffs, 'water-only' cleaning under new contractor | Daily Hive

SkyTrain cleaners allege layoffs and 'water-only' cleaning practices under new contractor

A SkyTrain car interior with cleanliness issues and garbage. (Kenneth Chan)

Janitorial workers responsible for cleaning Metro Vancouver’s SkyTrain system are raising concerns about staffing levels and working conditions.

Members of Service Employees International Union Local 2 (SEIU Local 2), who clean the SkyTrain stations, trains, and maintenance facilities of TransLink’s B.C. Rapid Transit Company, allege widespread workplace violations since Mississauga-based Dexterra Group assumed the cleaning contract on Feb. 1, 2026.

According to union statements released last week, the cleaners have been instructed in some cases to clean washrooms using water alone due to a lack of proper supplies.

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The union has filed multiple grievances alleging that Dexterra management has engaged in bullying, harassment, and intimidation. Additional complaints include late or missing pay, anti-union conduct, and violations of the collective agreement.

SEIU Local 2 also alleges at least 17 janitorial workers have been laid off since the contract transition, with more cuts expected. They say the remaining workers are assigned significantly larger workloads — sometimes covering five or six stations each — raising concerns about both safety and cleanliness standards.

“Savings on the backs of the workers who make our transit system run and keep it safe and clean are unacceptable,” said Stephen von Sychowksi, president of the Vancouver & District Labour Council.

“Dexterra, Skytrain, TransLink, and the government must all be held to account for what is happening in our public transit system.”

The union argues that these staffing reductions come at a particularly critical time, as Vancouver prepares to host matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is expected to bring a surge of visitors and public transit ridership.

Last Tuesday, dozens of workers and supporters gathered outside SkyTrain’s Metrotown Station to demand improvements.

“No evidence” of improper cleaning procedures or protocols, says TransLink

However, upon inquiry, a TransLink spokesperson told Daily Hive Urbanized that the claims made by the union are unfounded.

“TransLink works to ensure stations and vehicles are safe, clean, and well maintained for customers. We closely monitor the performance of our cleaning contractor, Dexterra Group, including daily audits to assess cleaning quality and facility condition,” said the TransLink spokesperson on Thursday.

“TransLink is in constant communication with Dexterra Group and we have no evidence they are using improper cleaning procedures or protocols at this time. Any allegations related to cleaning practices will be reviewed thoroughly.”

The contract with the company includes a range of performance metrics to help ensure a consistent standard of quality service by the company.

The cleaning contract was previously held by Bee-Clean Building Maintenance.

Union representatives say the SkyTrain cleaners, who first unionized in 2022, are paid in line with other unionized janitors across Metro Vancouver.

TransLink is trying to improve the cleanliness standards of its passenger facilities and vehicles. It is planing to to extend its cleaning and maintenance text message reporting hotline to more SkyTrain stations, bus loops, and exchanges. This will allow riders to report issues directly and enable faster response times.

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