Unfair treatment of casual, temporary workers: CUPE
Workers at the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District (ACRD) in Port Alberni, B.C., served 72-hour strike notice on June 8 following more than seven months of bargaining.
The outstanding issue between the workers and the district is fair treatment of casual and temporary staff, said the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE).
“We have long-serving, qualified temporary and casual workers devoting years of service to the ACRD, and they are being passed over in favour of external hires,” said Stacy Watton, CUPE 118 president. “Their years of service, knowledge of the workplace, and dedication to our community should be respected when they apply for regular employment.”
United behind their casual and temporary colleagues, ACRD workers passed a strike vote in March following a breakdown in talks between the district and their 26 unionized workers. Though talks did resume, the district refused to move from its original position, said the union.
The union plans to begin strike action immediately with an overtime ban that is expected to limit summer programming and services. Following the issue of strike notice, the parties discussed returning to the table and are currently working to set further talks, said CUPE.
CUPE represents more than 97,000 members in B.C. and 230 members working at the District of Tofino, District of Ucluelet, City of Port Alberni and the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District.
