The union will defend their members, two Handy-Dart drivers suspended by the employer for talking to CKNW. "We are going to vigorously defend any members who are disciplined." Amalgamated Transit Union Local 17-24 spokesperson Tyler Felbel says members have the right to turn to the media when they have concerns. Felbel says they believe in … [Read more...]
Union lawyers argue to remove mediator in teachers’ labour dispute
June 7, 2012 by
Lawyers for the teachers’ union are in B.C. Supreme Court today, trying to remove Charles Jago as mediator in their labour dispute. They argue Jago is not only unqualified to mediate as appointed by the government, but he is also biased. The union's lawyers are running down the tenuous history between the two sides. Aside from asking the … [Read more...]
BC Federation of Labour President slams ruling that bans mounties from forming a union
June 3, 2012 by
The head of the BC Federation of Labour is calling a ruling from Ontario's top court "a terrible decision." That ruling bans RCMP officers from forming a union. Jim Sinclair points to the fact that other police forces across the country -- are unionized. "You can work out essential services, other police forces aren't allowed to strike, that's not … [Read more...]
Ferry workers get new union boss
May 30, 2012 by
The BC Ferry and Marine Workers' Union has a new President. Incumbent Richard Goode losing his spot to Chris Abbott. The new boss says his first order of business is getting members re-engaged, "We have to get our bargaining so it's on a level playing field, and not having legislation that claims it prevails over our constitutional … [Read more...]
Union representing Coast Guard say changes from Ottawa almost like “Baywatch”
May 28, 2012 by
The Union of Canadian Transportation Employees, who represent Coast Guard staff, is curious about a visit from the Commissioner tomorrow. After being told Coast Guard Commissioner Mark Gregoire will address staff in Vancouver, The Union's Pacific region Vice President Dave Clark said "I read that they are celebrating 50 years and they are … [Read more...]
Union says more transit police spotted on buses
May 27, 2012 by
The union representing Coast Mountain bus drivers says transit police are finally listening and starting to put officers on buses. Canadian Autoworkers Union local 111 president Don Macleod says it's a change for the better and welcome by the drivers who have for years been asking for police to patrol the buses and the bus loops. "We did … [Read more...]
Union says the federal government is pinning its closure plans on “unproven technology”
May 22, 2012 by
The union representing marine communications centre staff is warning the federal government is relying on unproven technology to close three BC centres. Canadian Autoworkers Union Regional Director Allan Hughes says there isn't even a working model for the technology. Hughes says leaving just two centres to handle the workload … [Read more...]
Coast Guard union shooting down idea of replacing Kits station with auxillary members
May 19, 2012 by
One possible plan to replace the Kits Point Coast Guard station once it is closed is to use auxillary members, but the Coast Guard union isn't amused. The Union of Canadian Transportation Employees National President Christine Collins says volunteers aren't replacements for trained coast guards. "Coast Guard auxillary's mandate is to … [Read more...]
Union says Kits Coast Guard station shutting down
May 17, 2012 by
The Union of Canadian Transportation Employees is confirming the federal government is going to shut down the Kitsilano Coast Guard Station.National president Christine Collins says they are being told the station responsibilities will be moved to Sea Island."And the response time slow down can be approximately doubled so if we are saying zero to … [Read more...]
The HEU says an attempted nurses union raid will go forward.
May 9, 2012 by
The Labour Relations Board has ruled a BC Nurses union effort to raid LPN's from the Hospital Employees union can proceed. HEU spokesperson Mike Old says the LRB says the requisite number of LPN's were signed up in six health authorities triggering a vote. Old says this signals a campaign on both sides to win the LPN's over health … [Read more...]
