DISTRICT OF HOPE—Municipal workers for the District of Hope sent a strong message that the current contract offer is unacceptable when they voted June 2 with 96.6% in favour of striking. The parties have agreed to mediation and the union filed a request with the Labour Relations Board yesterday.

CUPE 458 president Louise Piper explains, “We are seeking job security, a three year term, and general wage parity with all other municipal locals in the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley. We’re just asking for fairness here.”

SQUAMISH—CUPE 2269 members voted last night to ratify the collective agreement reached with the District of Squamish on February 25. Mayor Greg Gardner and Squamish council ratified the tentative agreement on Tuesday, March 3.

PORT CLEMENTS—Members of CUPE 105, workers who provide solid waste and recycling services on Haida Gwaii (Queen Charlotte Islands), won a major victory when Skeena Queen Charlotte Regional District (SQCRD) directors voted to keep the service public.

“We wanted to make sure the community knew what was happening and understood the possible impact on services,” explains CUPE National representative Al Gallupe. “In the end, we’ve kept a vital service public, helped protect the environment, and ensured good value for taxpayers.”