BCGEU sets picket line at Cariboo RD's Williams Lake Office

Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District:

As of 8:00 a.m. this morning, BCGEU has set up a picket line at the Cariboo Regional District’s office in Williams Lake. At this time, picket lines have only been set up at this location, and the CRD’s other offices have not been impacted.

The situation may change daily. We will continue providing updates as information becomes available, and will provide information about any locations which are being impacted by picketing.

As picket lines are limited only to the Williams Lake office, the service impacts will vary from our initial guidance, which was issued on May 8. Regular CRD business will continue to be conducted from the Quesnel and 100 Mile House offices.

Regardless, strike action taken by the Union will not impact the following services:

• Fire Departments will not be affected, because they are staffed by volunteer firefighters and contract Fire Chiefs, and will continue with training and fire protection efforts.
• Our landfills and transfer stations will not be impacted because they are operated by independent contractors, whose employees are not party to the CRD’s collective agreement with BCGEU. Transfer stations and landfills will continue to operate at regular hours, and services will not be impacted by the strike. For hours of operation, please visit our Hours of Operation webpage.
• Operations, maintenance, and emergency repairs will continue to be provided to customers of the CRD’s 16 water and sewer systems. Please note that emergencies can be reported after hours by calling 1-800-665-1636 and select option 5 from the automated menu.
• Central Cariboo Search and Rescue will operate normally, as it is staffed by volunteers.

The Regional District’s Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) will still function in the event of an emergency. Work will also continue to prepare for the upcoming wildfire season and respond to current wildfire activity.

Libraries remain closed, no picket lines set up

While picket lines have not been set up at any libraries, CRD libraries remain closed to the public and library staff with scheduled shifts are continuing to work. Libraries were closed on May 9 to ensure the safety of staff in rural and remote areas in the event of a full walk-out, and will remain closed until further notice. Library support services staff working from the Williams Lake office are participating in the current picket line.

Impacted Regional District Services can be accessed here