Union representing workers at Heritage Credit Union and HG Insurance issue deadline
By Bruce Fuhr
The union representing workers at Heritage Credit Union and HG Insurance in Castlegar and Slocan Park issued a deadline to the employer Thursday.
USW Local 1-405 Financial Secretary Jeff Bromley said in a written press release issued a deadline of 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, September 5 to get a deal in place, or else.
“We seemed to have reached the end of the line,” Bromley said.
“The pension issue has been the biggest stumbling block since we began this process in May and we’re still not there yet.”
The two sides in the dispute have been without a contract since May 31. In June the union took a strike vote and was handed a 95 percent support from the membership.
When bargaining slowed provincial mediator Grant McArthur was called in to bring the parties reach an agreement.
McArthur has since booked out of the bargaining when he couldn’t bring the side together.
On August 17 the union issued the company 72-hour strike notice.
However, the company forced a final offer vote the union membership rejected by a vote of 76 percent in a vote taken August 24.
“We as well are very disappointed we have not been able to conclude negotiations,” Human Resource manager and Chief of Bargaining for Heritage Credit Union, Charlene Covington, told The Nelson Daily Friday.
“We have been in discussions with the union and have attempted to explore potential resolutions.”
Both sides in the dispute have said they are willing to return to the bargaining table but will not re-start the process unless there is a possibility of a settlement.
“This is our last shot at getting a deal before job action,” Bromley explained. “We’re disappointed it’s coming to this but we’re left with little choice.”
“The pension issue must be addressed to our members satisfaction.”
A notice on the company website informs members of the process should the union strike next week.
Covington said 11 management and non-union staff would continue to offer in-person services at the Castlegar branch.
That’s not the case in Slocan Park where there is only one non-union staff member.
Covington did say ATM and night deposits would still be offered to members in Slocan Park.
See Heritage Credit Union message to members:
https://www.heritagecu.ca/Personal/
See earlier stories:
Comments