Charmaine de Silva | Email news tips to charmaine.desilva@corusent.com
6/29/2012
The union representing workers at three Liquor Distribution Branch sites has issued 72-hour strike notice.
B.C. Government Services Employees Union president Darryl Walker says 24-hour job action will begin Monday, at 11:30 p.m., at sites in Vancouver, Victoria and Kamloops.
"After six months of bargaining, including two weeks of mediation, we're extremely frustrated over the lack of a response or the lack of a fair and reasonable offer from the provincial government."
Walker says the government has ignored suggestions for increased revenue, like Sunday store openings.
The job action won't impact government run liquor stores -- except for the one attached to the main distribution warehouse on East Broadway in Vancouver.
Finance Minister Kevin Falcon says the government's contract offer will not improve.
"The world economy is actually getting worse, it's not getting better. I think the unionized workers really need to understand that our offer will come off the table, and I'd sure like to see them return to the table before that offer's removed for good. It is not going to get any better."
The government has offered raises of 3.5 percent over two years, while the union wants 3.5 per cent in the first year and cost of living improvements in the second year.
Just yesterday, the union representing some ICBC employees issued 72-hour strike notice.
|