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Canada Line mediation to continue

“The strength of the strike vote reflects the commitment of our members to negotiate a fair and reasonable collective agreement." — Paul Finch, BCGEU Treasurer.

Vancouver (28 Jan. 2015) — Mediation between members of the B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union (BCGEU/NUPGE) who work for Canada Line and SNC-Lavalin will continue on February 2 and 3 following three days of mediated negotiations at the Labour Relations Board (LRB).

After a year of little progress at the bargaining table, Canada Line workers have voted 99 per cent in favour of a strike 

Canada Line workers have been working without a contract since December 31, 2013. Twelve months of negotiations produced minimal progress, and Canada Line workers have voted 99 per cent in favour of strike action.

“The strength of the strike vote reflects the commitment of our members to negotiate a fair and reasonable collective agreement,” says Paul Finch, BCGEU Treasurer.  “We are fully prepared to return to the LRB and negotiate with the help of a mediator. However, if mediation is unsuccessful, we will increase pressure to negotiate an agreement.”

The BCGEU/NUPGE represents about 150 workers at the Canada Line, which is privately operated by Protrans BC and owned by SNC-Lavalin.

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