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'We will be working together to ensure they have a voice at their workplace and to negotiate a first contract with fair wages and benefits.' - Darryl Walker.
Vancouver (17 Aug. 2009) - Employees working on the new Canada Line - the automated rail-based rapid transit service to connect Vancouver with central Richmond and the Vancouver Airport - have voted overwhelmingly in favour of joining the B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union (BCGEU/NUPGE).
The 173 new BCGEU members cast their ballots for BCGEU in a vote supervised by the Labour Relations Board.
"We're excited to have the Canada Line workers on board and extend a warm welcome to them," says BCGEU president Darryl Walker.
"We will be working together to ensure they have a voice at their workplace and to negotiate a first contract with fair wages and benefits. Joining a union is a good way to get their relationship with their employer off to a positive start," Walker says.
The new BCGEU members, employed by ProTrans B.C., include line attendants, station attendants, control room operators, administration, and staff in the wayside, vehicle and electronics departments.
BCGEU represents 65,000 workers in the public service, broader public sector and private sector in communities across B.C.
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