SMITHERS - CUPE members from throughout the North joined striking members of the United Transportation Union (UTU) Local 85 for a march this morning in a show of solidarity against the federal government’s back-to-work legislation.
Some 76 protesters, including the UTU strikers and CUPE members who drove in from Terrace, Prince Rupert, Prince George, Burns Lake, Dawson Creek and Quesnel showed up for the rally, which was organized by the Northern Area District Council and also attended by staff from Burnaby.
Protesters heard about the issues, ate lunch together and marched through the streets of Smithers while passers by waved and honked their horns. UTU members were said to be strongly affected by the spontaneous show of solidarity by CUPE members from across the north.
The union’s job action has focussed mainly on safety and quality of life issues, including time off.