Union claims B.C. Ferries’ head of labour relations informed union boss to ’shut the f— up”’ throughout assembly
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The union representing B.C. Ferries’ employees has lodged a prolonged criticism to the B.C. Labour Relations Board, accusing the employer of a string of unhealthy behaviour and asking for $2.1 million in damages.
The 14-page letter of criticism comes as the 2 sides are engaged in tense negotiations to extend wages for the union’s 4,700 employees.
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Based on the Dec. 14, letter, the employer “has undertaken a concerted marketing campaign to undermine the union’s unique bargaining company and decrease its fame amongst its members. The employer’s efforts have stoked worry and animosity amongst members which has immediately led to discord between the union of members.”
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The letter claims B.C. Ferries prolonged non-public lodging offers (negotiated for a restricted time in the course of the COVID-19 pandemic) to distant employees with out consulting the union. It then reversed the deal as soon as the union complained — resulting in anger from these employees in the direction of the union.
It additionally states that the employer has wrongfully reached out twice to union members telling them that union management had rejected a seven per cent wage hike provide as a part of mid-contract wage negotiations now underway.
The union additionally claims that in a web based assembly on Nov. 28 associated to the 2 notifications, B.C. Ferries govt director of labour relations Dean Dobrinsky informed B.C. Ferries Union president Eric McNeely to “simply shut the f— up.”
The letter states that simply earlier than the beginning of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, the union was making ready to barter a two-year collective settlement with proposed wage hikes of 10 per cent a yr.
Nonetheless, because of the onset of the pandemic, the union modified its place and, in November 2020, accepted a five-year contract with will increase of zero, two and two per cent, with the final two years’ pay hikes to be decided via two wage re-openers.
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The primary wage re-opener was in August however no settlement might be reached. The 2 events are actually engaged in binding negotiations, with the subsequent assembly set for February.
The letter states the employer has wrongfully notified union members that they’ve been supplied a basic seven per cent wage hike for one yr and that union management has rejected that, resulting in additional discontent.
As punishment, the union is asking that B.C. Ferries pay $100,000 for bargaining immediately with workers (associated to the housing deal), $1 million in damages for defamation and $1 million for damaging the union’s relationship with members.
Based on a B.C. Ferries spokesperson, the corporate is conscious of the letter of criticism that has been despatched.
“Whereas we’re conscious of the criticism and will likely be responding to it, there’s a limitation to what we are able to say proper now because the matter is now earlier than the Labour Relations Board,” the spokesperson stated.
“B.C. Ferries can be in the course of an arbitration course of with the union which can decide wage changes for 2024. We’re wanting ahead to a great final result for our individuals and having this course of full within the New 12 months when the arbitrator panel makes its ruling.”
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The B.C. NDP has places its stamp on B.C. Ferries over the previous 18 months, appointing NDP stalwart Pleasure MacPhail as chair of the board and former ICBC boss Nicolas Jimenez as CEO.
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