Canada

COVID-19: Halifax bus, ferry service facing cancellations due to staffing levels

By Rebecca Lau Global News

Posted December 20, 2021 5:53 pm

Updated June 10, 2024 4:02 pm

1 min read

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Click to play video: 'COVID-19 cases having big impact on Nova Scotia small businesses' — The rapid increase of COVID-19 cases across Nova Scotia—especially in densely populated areas is having a big impact on small businesses. Alexa MacLean has more – Dec 20, 2021

Halifax Transit has announced it is expecting more cancellations and service loss over the coming weeks because of staff availability.

There are currently 10 members of the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 508 isolating due to COVID-19 isolation rules, union president Ken Wilson told Global News.

Currently, public health has advised that all close contacts of COVID-19 positive cases, including those who are fully vaccinated, need to isolate for 72 hours and get a lab-based PCR test.

Wilson said the main issue with staffing, however, is the turnover of staff in the last 12 months. He attributed this to members taking early retirement, quitting or being terminated from their positions.

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In an update on Monday, the municipality said that based on current staffing levels, “it is expected service loss on conventional bus service will continue for at least the next two weeks.”