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VICTORIARefusing to accept serious rollbacks in benefits and a pittance in wage compensation, greenskeepers and other employees at the Gorge Vale Golf Course, many of whose members are current and retired unionized workers, are facing the possibility of a lockout come Monday morning.

I am stunned by Gorge Vales action to lockout its workers over concessions, says John Burrows, especially in light of the fact that most of the golf club members have, themselves, fought for the very benefits we are trying to maintain.

According to Burrows, Gorge Vales administrators are blaming their actions on the provincial Liberals pharmacare policies which have resulted in downloading costs on to benefit packages.

The actions of the Liberals are no surprise to anyone. To use the government as an excuse to penalize your own workers is despicable, says Burrows. This organization was created with the labour and support of unionized workers. So to react to the Liberals by attacking its own workers is unconscionable.

Burrows suggests that Gorge Vales administration may be making a mistakeunderestimating its own club membership by locking out the workers. Well be communicating with members to ensure their support for those who have followed in their footsteps and who provide them with services every time they tee it up or step out on to the greens.

Burrows indicated that the union remains prepared to go back to the bargaining table to resolve the dispute.

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Contact:
John Burrows, President, CUPE Local 50
(250) 385-6023