Union members working in VictoriaB次元官网网址檚 public library system and their employers await mediation after talks crumbled Saturday.

B次元官网网址淎fter bargaining collaboratively for more than a year to make significant progress on key issues, the employer presented workers with a list of concession demands,B次元官网网址� says Helen Hughes, CUPE 410 president. B次元官网网址淭he employer refuses to move on its concession demands and refuses to answer key questions about sweeping changes proposed to scheduling and use of auxiliary workers.B次元官网网址�

Local 410 members who work for the Greater Victoria Public Library voted more than 85 per cent in favour of strike action during a Sunday vote taken after talks broke between the union and representatives of the GVPL and Greater Victoria Labour Relations Association.

READ ALSO:

The GVLRA engaged in eight days of negotiating with the CUPE 410 bargaining team, says Kevin Murdoch, chair of the GVLRA board.

B次元官网网址淚t hasnB次元官网网址檛 been an acrimonious processB次元官网网址� I think both sides are committed to getting to a deal,B次元官网网址� Murdoch said. B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檒l keep trying to engage with the union leadership and find that settlement.B次元官网网址�

READ ALSO:

TheyB次元官网网址檝e applied for mediation provided through the B.C. Labour Relations Board B次元官网网址� mediation process must take place prior to job action.

B次元官网网址淛ob action is not what we want to do, but our members are frustrated,B次元官网网址� Hughes says. B次元官网网址淲e really want to get this settled in a fair way for everyone. WeB次元官网网址檙e very hopeful that can be done.B次元官网网址�

The employer proposes replacing existing employees with staff paid less and with fewer workplace rights, according to Hughes.

B次元官网网址淲hile we remain committed to a negotiated resolution, we need the employersB次元官网网址� co-operation in producing a fair settlement at the bargaining table.B次元官网网址�

CUPE 410 represents 240 workers at the Greater Victoria Public Library located at sites across the capital region.

c.vanreeuwyk@blackpress.ca
Like us on and follow us on