The Cariboo Regional District (CRD) has been served 72-hour strike notice from the BC General and Service Employees Union (BCGEU), which represents 109 employees.
A last offer has been initiated by the CRD as permitted under the BC Labour Relations Code in order to avert a strike, said the CRD in a news release, noting the final issues of contention is wage increases.
“We are committed to the collective bargaining process and reaching a fair agreement, and are empowering our employees to consider our latest offer,” said Murray Daly, chief administrative officer, “The deal on the table represents a fair commitment to address concerns about the cost of living while still providing certainty to our taxpayers – which include our employees – about the costs of CRD services.”
A last offer vote will be conducted by the BC Labour Relations Board with the CRD’s unionized employees from 12 p.m. on Wednesday, May 8 to 12 p.m. on Thursday, May 9.
“Because the strike notice will be in effect as of 9:53 a.m. on Thursday, May 9, members of the public should expect some disruption to CRD services,” noted the CRD.
If a strike ensues, the CRD said it will not impact the operation of the CRD’s fire departments, water and sewer systems, or landfills and transfer stations.
“The regional district’s Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) will also function in the event of an emergency.”
Libraries will be closed on Thursday, May 9, since the strike will be in effect before regular opening times.
“Additionally, unionized employees who leave their designated workplaces after 9:53 a.m. on Thursday, May 9, may not cross BCGEU’s picket lines, which could impact service delivery for specific departments, particularly building inspection, bylaw enforcement and planning services.”
Black Press Media has reached out to the BCGEU for comment.
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