Cariboo Regional District employee strike expands to other services, communities

The strike happening amongst Cariboo Regional District (CRD) workers has expanded, something that the BC General Employees’ Union (BCGEU) has been forced by the employers inaction.

On Tuesday, the BCGEU said workers have moved the full strike that started last week at the main regional district office in Williams Lake to picketing at the library in Williams Lake and Quesnel’s City Hall.

Workers have been bargaining with the CRD since January trying to strike a new “Fair” labour deal.

About 50 workers will be on the picket lines form 8:15 until 4:15 pm, a news release says.

In a news release, BCGEU Treasurer Paul Finch says it is disappointing that the regional district has “clung to its subpar offer,” which has pushed union members to strike.

“It's disappointing that the Regional District is not honouring its workers and returning to the bargaining table with a reasonable deal,” saysFinch.

“Our members were committed to the negotiations process from day one and exhausted every avenue to resolution, including applying for mediation.

Last week, Finch explained that the regional distinct essential employees can only continue to work in the Cariboo if they can afford it.

According to the news release, employees are pushing for “protections” to offset financial pressures as the region’s cost of living “skyrockets.”

The BCGEU says the regional district, which is already facing retention problems and high turnover rates, needs to make “vital” improvements to the working conditions in order to avoid destabilizing local services like library support, waste management, fire mitigation and more.

“The level of respect that a government shows for its workers is a direct reflection of the respect it has for its residents,” adds Finch.

“The Regional District owes it to their constituents to put more resources into the support that people count on. They owe it to their constituents to help get our members back to work by returning to the bargaining table.”

At this time, CRD employees in Quesnel, 100 Mile House and other surrounding communities are continuing their overtime ban.