BCGEU workers resume bargaining talks after strike vote
Posted May 23, 2012 6:23 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VICTORIA (NEWS1130) – BCGEU workers are back at the bargaining table for three days this week after a third of its members voted to strike, if need be.
President Darryl Walker feels the job action vote adds a bit more certainty to the talks.
“What is it that is going to make both sides want to come to an agreement on a deal. That’s what we’ll be working on these [next] few days, just to see how close were are in terms of what’s left on the table and what can we agree to,” explains Walker.
After three years of frozen wages, he says they are pushing for a wage hike despite the net-zero mandate from the government.
“There’s also employment security that’s on the table,” notes Walker. “That’s extremely important — the ability to try and find jobs if someone is laid off. There is at least an opportunity to see what jobs are available.”
Last week, about a third of public sector employees in BC voted 82 per cent in favour of job action. It involves 25,000 workers in everything from hospitals and jails to government offices, social workers, and liquor stores.
The strike vote comes after months of negotiations that have gone nowhere.
