WHITE ROCK – Workers in the City of White Rock took another step toward job action today, as essential service levels in the event of a strike or lockout were finalized.
Following two days of mediation on March 10 and April 1 where no resolution was found, CUPE 402-01 and the City have worked with the assistance of the Labour Relations Board to identify services that must be continued in the event of a strike or lockout.
CUPE 402-01 President Mike Guraliuk says that with essential service levels finalized, the union will shortly be in a position to issue 72-hour strike notice should they decide job action is necessary.
“The last thing we want to do is disrupt services for our community and our residents, but we feel we have little choice. We continue to seek discussions with the City and we are willing to re-open talks at any time. But the Mayor and Council need to get the message that their negotiators must be willing to seriously address the critical issues for our members,” said Guraliuk.
Guraliuk said that some union members will be attending tonight’s city council meeting as a show of solidarity and a signal to the Mayor and Council that workers are looking for respect and fairness.
Key issues for the union include the need for clear hours of work for all employees, fair treatment for casual and part-time employees, and protection for members who become seriously ill.
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.
