B.C. Workers Condemn Union as UFCW 1518 Staff Shore up Support With a Petition Demanding an End to Lockout
CANNANNEW REPORT

BURNABY, British Columbia–(BUSINESS WIRE)–It’s been three weeks since UFCW 1518 made a shockingly anti-labour decision to lock out its staff now the union’s own rank-and-file members are speaking out against the decision and asking their elected representatives to return to the bargaining table. “We want to get back to the table, so that UFCW 1518 can get back to representing its members – these workers need their union support staff,” says Al Bieksa, United Steelworkers union (USW) Local 2009 President, who represents the locked-out UFCW 1518 staff. On April 8, USW Local 2009 members started picketing outside the UFCW 1518 office. On April 20, they launched a petition that has gathered tremendous support, boasting over 500 signatures from UFCW 1518 members and concerned members of the public alike, demanding that UFCW 1518 end the lockout. Over half of the responses came from UFCW 1518’s own members – the rank-and-file voices that work in grocery, cannabis, food processing, retail and more. “This is incredibly disappointing as a member and activist of our union to see this happening. It does not bode well for our upcoming rounds of bargaining,” said a UFCW 1518 member who signed the petition. “This is very disheartening to feel unsupported as a member of UFCW 1518 by having employees locked out of their workplace. Who is going to do the valuable work the reps do tirelessly every day to support members in their workplaces?” said another petition-signer. “UFCW 1518 is their union, and it’s clear they’re not ok with it using anti-worker tactics,” said Bieksa, adding, “the employer started this fiasco, and they have the power to end it. Bargain a fair collective agreement, so your staff can get back to helping your members improve their working conditions and wage increases: it’s that simple. We just want…

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Source : B.C. Workers Condemn Union as UFCW 1518 Staff Shore up Support With a Petition Demanding an End to Lockout

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