HARRISON HOT SPRINGS – CUPE 458 members have overwhelmingly rejected the Village of Harrison Hot Springs’ ‘last offer’ in a vote administered yesterday by the Labour Relations Board at the request of the Village.
14 of 17 eligible voters participated, voting 86 percent in favour of rejection.
CUPE 458 President Darlene Worthylake says that union has already contacted the Village and that they are prepared to return to the bargaining table at any time.
“The result of today’s vote clearly shows that the Village’s last offer doesn’t address our members key concerns,” says Worthylake. “We want to find a solution to the remaining outstanding issues that both parties can accept. If the two parties can’t find a resolve through negotiations we remain open to having a third-party mediator assist us, should the Village be willing to take part in that process.”
A mediation session to set essential service levels has been scheduled for July 4. Once essential service levels are set the union would only have to serve 72‑hour strike notice to engage in job action.
CUPE 458 represents 400 municipal members who work throughout the Fraser Valley. Seventeen members work in Harrison Hot Springs and provide a wide range of services including water and wastewater, snow removal, public works and administrative services at the Village Hall.
