FILE PHOTO - Transit workers from the Central Okanagan brought their message to Vernon on, Nov. 14, 2016.
(CHARLOTTE HELSTON / iNFOnews.ca)
November 19, 2016 - 8:57 AM
KELOWNA - Members of ATU Local 1722, still on strike in Kelowna, have been given a cease and desist order to stop picketing in Vernon.
The B.C. Labour Relations Board says the strike action taken near the Vernon transit yard by the ATU Local 1722, which represents striking Kelowna bus drivers, was illegal, according to a release from Meribeth Burton, spokesperson for First Canada.
ATU Local 1722 set up pickets at the Vernon yard on Nov. 15. Burton says the Vernon First Canada employees, who are a part of Unifor Local 114 and under a separate contract agreement, were disrupted by the action.
On Nov. 17, 2016, ATU Local 1722 was ordered to cease and desist illegal picketing at or near First Canada's Vernon facilities.
“First Canada respects all of its employees and their right to take job action as part of collective bargaining. We are, however, relieved the illegal picket activity at our Vernon transit yard will cease and desist,” Regional Vice President of First Canada Farwest region John Peck says in the release.
“We empathize with our customers as they struggle to make their way around Kelowna without transit service,” Peck says. “The company has made a reasonable offer, similar to other existing contracts in other provincial centres and we remain willing and eager to return to the bargaining table with the union representing our valued employees.”
For more information on the current ATU Local 1722 transit strike, click here.
ATU Local 1722 went on strike in Kelowna on November 10, 2016.
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