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BCGEU members at B.C. Place vote for strike action

“This isn’t a round of bargaining that will contain any concessions for our membership. We want a fair and reasonable deal.”

Vancouver (07 Jan. 2013) — B.C. Place workers (PAVCO), members of the B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union (BCGEU/NUPGE), have voted 96 per cent in favour of possible strike action.

“We’re happy members have shown their support by giving the bargaining committee a strong strike mandate,” said Bargaining Committee Chair Dave MacDonald. “This isn’t a round of bargaining that will contain any concessions for our membership. We want a fair and reasonable deal.”

The key issues are contracting out (job protection) and scheduling.

“If our members are available to do the work, then it’s our members that will do our work,” said MacDonald.

With the strike mandate in hand, the bargaining committee will return to the bargaining table with management on January 8 and 10, 2013.

Under B.C. labour law, the union now has 90 days to serve 72-hour strike notice, IF it elects to do so. There are presently NO plans for job action.

Workers in this bargaining unit work in the skilled trades and housekeeping, and as hosts, security officers, technicians/maintanence and first aid attendants.

 

Please note: BC Place catering & food service workers are employed by Servomation (Centerplate) and not PAVCO. They’re covered by a separate collective agreement with the BCGEU and were NOT involved in this strike vote.

NUPGE

The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE