Eight workers from the Village of Granisle, in Northern British Columbia, became members of CUPE 2086, District of Houston municipal workers, in a Labour Board vote counted on July 26.

“Belonging to a union and negotiating a fair contract leads to a respectful workplace,” said David Duval, President of CUPE 2086. “We welcome these municipal workers into our local and look forward to working with them to secure a first collective agreement.”

For Granisle residents – the majority of whom are seniors – the nearest grocery store is a 150 km round trip. One of the services residents rely on is the bus that picks up and delivers groceries for a small fee; takes residents to and from medical appointments; and delivers water samples for lab analysis once a month.

“I am proud of the quality public services our members provide to make life better for residents in our communities,” said Duval.

CUPE 2086 represents 20 full-time and part-time municipal workers in the District of Houston including office workers, parks and recreation workers from the arena and leisure facility, equipment operators, mechanics, and workers at the water and wastewater plant. They’re joined by Village of Granisle workers including the water/wastewater operator; machine operator; one casual worker who assists with parks, equipment, and vacation relief; two information centre workers; gardener, front office staff and bus driver.

Granisle is located on Babine Lake in B.C.’s northern interior, between Burns Lake and Houston in the Bulkley Valley Lakes District.