The 17 members of CUPE Local 1978, employed as caretakers by the Capital Regional Housing Corporation in Victoria, B.C. have been on strike for 10 weeks against 19th century working conditions. The workers are expected to be on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The CHRC is the City of Victoria’s social housing unit. Except for a minor move by the employer, mediation attempts have been fruitless in addressing the last-century working conditions and unacceptable pay levels.
“We are approaching the second tenant move-on, move-out day” says Armin Sielopp, president of Local 1978, “and the caretakers are really feeling the pinch on behalf of the tenants who will have to deal with moves primarily on their own.
CHRC management has hired scabs to do the work of the employees. Members of the CHRC Board have refused to get involved.
The National Representative working with the local is Colin Graham.
Messages of support may be sent to CUPE Local 1978 at P.O. Drawer 1000, 524 Yates Street, Victoria, B.C. V8W 2S6 or faxed to: 478-3344