Sides spent 15 days in talks, five days in mediation
On Oct. 3, the United Steelworkers (USW), Local 1-2017 issued a 72-hour strike notice after asking the B.C. Labour Relations Board (LRB) mediator to “book out” of the mediation process on Oct. 1.
“We are disappointed the USW has chosen to issue 72-hour strike notice,” said Mike Bryce, executive director of the Council on Northern Interior Forest Employment Relations (Conifer). “We were encouraged last week by the productive mediation process when we were able to settle a number of issues with the USW.”
Conifer and the USW have been engaged in collective bargaining since May 29. The parties spent 15 days in negotiations, culminating with five full days of mediation, said the employer group.
