WHITE ROCK – After two mediation sessions with little progress, workers in the City of White Rock say that job action now looks likely. In February, members of CUPE 402-01 voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action if negotiations failed to produce a fair settlement in their current round of bargaining.
CUPE 402-01 President Mike Guraliuk says that it now looks much more likely that members will be exercising that mandate.
“We are very disappointed that there has been no movement from our employer on very important issues like hours of work, fair treatment for casual and part-time employees, and fair treatment for members who are off the job on a work-related injury or who need access to long-term disability,” said Guraliuk.
Bargaining began in June 2013, and finally broke down at the end of January 2014, leading to the appointment of a Labour Relations Board mediator and a strong strike vote by members. Mediation sessions occurred on March 10 and April 1, and no further sessions are scheduled.
“Our members’ 94 percent strike vote sent a strong message that they are prepared to take action if necessary. We do not want to take job action, but given the positions taken by our employer, who is being assisted by a negotiator from the Metro Vancouver Regional District, we have little choice at this point,” said Guraliuk.
CUPE 402-01 represents members who work for the City of White Rock and provide a wide range of services to White Rock residents and businesses.
