CUPE members working for the City of Campbell River voted 88.3% in favour of strike action yesterday. The workers have been without a contract since December 31, 2009.
CUPE 401 Campbell River unit president Blaine Gurrie stated in a release that talks had been kept to a minimum, until recently, while the union gave the city time to deal with the Catalyst Paper (TSX:CTL) situation.
The “situation” refers to Catalyst’s legal battle to get a break on its regional tax levy in the city. (See: “Catalyst pays tax bill in full to three of four municipalities” – BIV Business Today, July 1, 2010.)
In January, the B.C. Supreme Court rejected Catalyst’s appeal of tax assessments.
“We have now been to the negotiating table 10 times, twice with a mediator, but the city is still insisting on concessions,” said Gurrie. “While we are disappointed to have to take the strike mandate route, we see no alternative at this time.”
Recent settlements in other Vancouver Island communities have included wage increases averaging 2.5% to 3% per year in three and four year agreements.
Gurrie said the union has set up two more meetings with a mediator for later this month in hopes of restarting meaningful talks with the city.
Jennifer Harrison
Twitter: JHarrisonBIV