CUPE National President Paul Moist and CUPE BC President Mark Hancock joined locked out CUPE 389 members on the picket line at the North Shore Winter Club (NSWC) Tuesday afternoon.
Tuesday marked day 75 of the lockout, but both Moist and Hancock assured CUPE 389 members that CUPE National and CUPE BC would be there to support locked out members until the dispute is resolved and a fair and reasonable collective agreement is in place.
“Your employer is trying to gut your collective agreement and that’s wrong,” Moist told members. “CUPE stands behind you 100 percent and we will do everything we can to support you.”
Hancock presented Local 389 with a donation on behalf of CUPE BC and pledged that he would continue to request that other locals throughout the province support the locked out members until this dispute is resolved.
“Solidarity is what will end this dispute. The 85,000 CUPE members across the province support you, you aren’t alone,” said Hancock.
The employer’s final offer (which was rejected by members in a vote 11-2 in May) included zero wage increases, no job security, decreased benefit coverage, proposed cuts to sick time and vacation time, as well as language which could result in possible reductions to CUPE employees’ work hours.
The lockout at the NSWC affects 16 CUPE 389 members who are dedicated professionals that ensure the health and safety of the family recreation centre. They work as building service workers, maintenance workers, iceman and stationary equipment operators and are responsible for handling dangerous chemicals at the club including ammonia and chlorine.
HOW CAN YOU HELP END THIS SENSELESS LOCKOUT?
Click here to send an email to board members and managers at the NSWC