BREAKING NEWS -- City of WL workers on strike Sat

In a surprising move after the City/IUOE (City of WL Union) had made public statements to get back to the bargaining table -- the IUOE this afternoon served official strike notice upon the City of Williams Lake.

The IUOE may begin picket lines as of 1:53pm Saturday

Read more at Welcome to Williams Lake here

From the Rush:

The Cariboo Memorial Complex in Williams Lake could be behind a picket line as early as Saturday afternoon at 1:53 pm.

John Dube, the Service Agent for the International Union of Operating Engineers local 882, says they have issued 72-hour strike notice to the city after talks once again broke down.

Dube says they haven't even talked about wages yet and that the city will only talk about what they want and he accused the city of bargaining in bad faith.

Besides the arena and pool, Dube says there will also be reduced staff at the R-C-M-P and pickets will also be up at the airport and City Hall on Monday.

The game between the WL Stampeders/Quesnel Kangaroos has now been moved to Quesnel on Saturday evening with Game #3, if necessary, Sunday afternoon - again in Quesnel

Finally - the local Recreation Complex has published this note, in light of the strike notice:

UPDATE ON POSSIBLE JOB ACTION AFFECTING CMRC

The Union which represents the City workers at the CMRC is in a lawful position to strike and has now provided the City with 72 hours strike notice. The earliest that strike action will be possible is this Saturday (Feb. 16th) at 2:00pm.

At this time it is still unknown if workers will actually go on strike however should there be job action by City Employees the CMRC will be COMPLETELY CLOSED until it is resolved, and possibly for some time after while we get things going again.

This possible closure will affect ALL programs and services in the CMRC and even those run by CMRC employees out in the community. These services include (but are not limited to)- Arenas, Pool, Gibraltar Room, Recreation programs, Rec and Roll after school care, Swim Lessons, public swimming and skating, etc..

All planned events, private bookings, ice rentals (minor hockey, figure skating, rec league, etc..), Pool rentals (Blue Fins, etc..), Gibraltar Room bookings, or other CMRC uses will also be cancelled for the duration of the job action and possibly for some time after. All sport group offices, arena pro shop and concessions will also be inaccessible during this time.

While we would hope to be able to give you more information it is not possible at this time. Please keep an eye on the media, City and CMRC web-site and Facebook pages so you don’t get caught unaware.

Thank you for your patience as we try to get through this challenging period.