UPDATED: No strike for now at NDCC as parties move into cooling off period
By Nelson Daily Staff
The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) and CUPE Local 2262 have agreed to put any potential job action on hold until 4 p.m. on Sept. 21, the regional district announced today.
“We will continue to meet with union representatives over the next nine days to discuss safety and operational protocols for the Nelson and District Community Complex should job action or a strike go ahead,” said CAO Jim Gustafson.
The regional district negotiates three collective agreements with CUPE that cover employees in all regional waste facilities and many employees at recreation complexes in Creston, Castlegar and Nelson.
The RDCK will provide public updates about labour negotiations over the coming days.
It is business as usual at the Nelson and District Community Complex along with all other waste and recreation facilities in the regional district.
CUPE sub local 2262 issue 72-hour strike notice to RDCK
The Regional District of Central Kootenay’s main recreation facility in Nelson could be behind picket lines after the union representing workers at the Nelson and District Community Complex issued 72-hour strike notice Monday.
The 55 members gave an overwhelming mandate to CUPE sub local 2262 President Leford Lafayette following a vote Saturday.
“No one wants to go down this road, but the regional district has left us little choice,” said CUPE 2262 president Leford Lafayette in a press release.
“It all comes down to wages, term, and benefits: we asked for cost of living and minor benefit increases, but they said “no.” Instead, they’re offering a two-year agreement that expires in six months.”
Workers have been without a contract for 18 months after the last deal expired.
The parties have been at the table for several rounds of negotiations with no deal in sight. A mediator was also brought into bargaining with no luck.
“They came after every cornerstone of our collective agreement: seniority, hours of work provisions, and full-time/part-time designations,” Lafayette explained.
“We spent a long time negotiating back and forth on language. The employer offered a one and one for a two-year agreement, with no benefit increases.
“If the union were to agree to this, we’d be behind the cost of living by three per cent over the last three years.”
The Union is seeking a three-year contract with a cost of living average over the term.
CUPE 2262, representing fitness technicians, lifeguards, aquafit and swimming instructors, as well as maintenance, custodians, customer service reps, and child minders, could go on strike as of Thursday afternoon.
The Nelson Daily has learned the two parties held discussions Tuesday.
A strike could shut down all operations at the Community Complex, including the pool, fitness center and arena.
The Nelson Leafs are scheduled to open the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League season Friday against the Castlegar Rebels at the NDCC Arena.
Nelson Minor Hockey, another major arena user, has also commenced tryouts for the upcoming season.
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