Williams Lake Mayor Kerry Cook had stated that it was unfortunate the strike action was called and said that she had personally talked to numerous people who were concerned about what kind of effect the strike would have.
Mayor Cook had hoped that the union would come back to the table as soon as possible to minimize the impact it had on the community.
Bottom Line - this was predictable... giving Management healthy raises and telling the Union to accept rollbacks. On Monday, either side will have to "give up something" or we're back to the picket line....
Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:
The City of Williams Lake (CWL) is advising residents that RCMP services may be affected during any job action by the Union and they should be prepared for this.
Police will still respond to all calls for service but the front counter at the RCMP station will be closed. All calls for service will be routed through Prince George. There may also be longer wait times for less serious offences (thefts, hit and runs, etc.).
Some responsibilities that will be delayed, or not serviced would include non-emergency items such as disclosure requests and criminal record checks.
Residents will still be able to talk to local Police Officers at the RCMP station but there will likely be delays in this process.
The CWL appreciates the public’s patience through this challenging time and wants residents to be aware that the RCMP has ensured that public safety will not be compromised, but that non-emergency services will be affected.
The City of Williams Lake would also like residents to know that the Williams Lake Airport will be open as per usual. Users of the Airport should notice no effect from any job action.
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The City of Williams Lake is pleased that the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 882-B are returning to the negotiating table on Monday morning.
The IOUE has indicated to the City that workers will still take job action this Saturday and Sunday but will be returning to work Monday as usual. The Union has also indicated that there will be an overtime ban in effect starting Monday. It is the City’s understanding that the picketing locations will be at the Williams Lake Regional Airport, Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex and the RCMP.
“This news is a very positive step forward,” said Geoff Goodall, Acting CAO, “We are eager to get this collective agreement settled as soon as possible with minimal disruption to our workforce and to the community.”
1 comment:
So management is sending out the union picketing schedule! What a joke! Normally, don't unions return only after the contract is negotiated and signed? Where is the pressure for management to actually negotiate after repeatedly bargaining in bad faith?? I'd say IUOE members are fools to return. Perhaps the union should be honest with their members: by law, they have no obligation to return on Monday ... they are on a legal strike. And they wonder why the city doesn't take them seriously.
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