The Comox Valley Regional District said Wednesday that its unionized staff, represented by the United Steelworkers (USW) Union Local 1-1937, have voted in favour of a strike. The Local employs 81 staff at the Comox Valley Sports and Aquatic Centres.
The CVRD has been in negotiations and met for 12 days with USW since Jan. 29 to address amendments to the collective agreement that expired Jan. 31.
The CVRD has been following the mandate provided by the CVRD Sports Commission with wage increases of two per cent per year for 2018, 2019 and 2020. The union seeks further wage enhancements beyond the local and provincial standard of two per cent.
“The CVRD is committed to continue working towards a fair solution,” said Jennifer Zbinden, senior manager of recreation facilities. “We want to ensure residents that the health and safety of staff and the community are of utmost importance. Please be aware that this strike vote could result in facility closures and program cancellations.”
The CVRD acknowledges a strike vote is part of the labour relations process. Information will be provided to the public in the event of an escalation in labour action at the facilities.
Visit the website prior to visiting facilities at www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/usw