NORTH VANCOUVER—The union representing close to 800 workers at North Vancouver’s Recreation Commission and the District of North Vancouver has issued 72-hour strike notice. Job action, which will begin with a ban on overtime work and a work-to-rule protocol, , could begin as early as 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 19, 2007.
“We hoped that strong strike votes at the end of May would encourage employers to get serious at the table, but here in North Vancouver and in other parts of the Greater Vancouver Regional District, employers seem willing to risk strikes rather than bargain fair agreements,” says CUPE 389 president Cindy McQueen.
Key issues on the table for the Union would provide new workers with a fair package and provide opportunities to retain experienced employees.
“We have tabled a package of proposals covering job security, fairness for temporary and auxiliary workers, pay equity, improvements in benefits for active members and retirees, trades adjustments and fair wage increases,” says McQueen.
Collective agreements expired on December 31, 2006. During any job action, essential services related to public health and safety as set by the Labour Relations Board will be maintained.
CUPE 389 represents 388 recreation workers at the North Vancouver Recreation Commission. They are lifeguards, program operators, child care workers, fitness instructors, maintenance workers and instructor guards, among other recreation workers, many who are young and auxiliary workers.
In the District of North Vancouver, CUPE 389 represents over 375 municipal hall, water, utilities, parks, streets, animal shelter and recycling workers, as well as trades gardeners, inspectors, clerks, surveyors, and other professionals who work for the District of North Vancouver, Maple Wood children’s farm and North Vancouver Ecology Centre.
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Contact: CUPE 389 president Cindy McQueen: (604) 987-1231; (778) 688-9537 cell
Diane Kalen, CUPE Communications (778)229-0258.