“[TransLink] can contract out the work, but they cannot contract out the responsibility,” said Lenna McVeety, a cleaner and SEIU Local 2 shop steward who has worked with TransLink for four and a half years, in her speech at the rally.

SkyTrain cleaners have faced unsafe working conditions and abusive management since Dexterra took over in February. Dexterra has reportedly failed to provide workers with proper safety training and cleaning supplies, leaving them to handle harmful substances alone while trains are still running.