Story by Troy Landreville, MyComoxValleyNow.com
COURTENAY, B.C. – Workers at the Comox Valley Regional District have voted in favour of a strike.
The vote was made by unionized staff, represented by the United Steelworkers (USW) Union Local 1-1937. USW employs 81 staff at the Comox Valley Sports and Aquatics Centres.
According to the district, the strike vote could mean possible facilities closure, but only if there is a 72-hour notice given. There is no disruption in service levels at the moment.
If that notice is issued, the district will notify the public as soon possible.
The CVRD has been in negotiations and met for 12 days with USW since Jan. 29 to address amendments to the Collective Agreement that expired on Jan. 31.
The district has been following the mandate provided by the CVRD Sports Commission with wage increases of two per cent per year for 2018, 2019 and 2020.
The union is looking for further wage enhancements beyond the local and provincial standard of two per cent.
“The CVRD is committed to continue working towards a fair solution,” Zbinden said, in a news release.
“We want to ensure residents that the health and safety of staff and the community are of utmost importance. Please be aware that this strike vote could result in facility closures and program cancellations.”
The CVRD acknowledged a strike vote is part of the labour relations process.
