Despite having the help of a mediator to negotiate, the workers of the Village of McBride have voted in favor of a strike, as they are unable to agree with representatives of McBride on many key issues of their contract.
The employees, represented by the Service, Health, Manufacturing and Allied Workers Union, CLAC Local 501, are looking for better wages and benefits.
"We have made every attempt to reach a fair settlement, and all that we have asked is that the employers bargain in good faith," said Audrey Wilkinson, CLAC representative.
"We strongly urge the employer to come to the table and negotiate a fair settlement."
On Feb. 1, the employer denied the union's mediator-assisted proposals, including the opportunity to speak to the Village Council to start a dialogue or present the outstanding items to an arbitrator, that's mutually agreed upon, for a binding decision, said CLAC in a recent news release.
The employees' positive strike vote gives the union the opportunity to seek first collective agreement mediation or arbitration through section 55 of the BC Labour Relations Code or take strike action if necessary.
