Canada Line workers vote for strike action

BURNABY, BC, Jan. 8, 2015 /CNW/ - BCGEU members who work on the Canada Line have voted 99 per cent in favour of job action.

"The strength of the strike vote reflects the commitment of our members to negotiate a fair and reasonable collective agreement," says Paul Finch, BCGEU treasurer.  "We are committed to meaningful negotiations with the help of a mediator later this month. However, if mediation fails we are prepared to increase pressure to negotiate an agreement."

Mediation is scheduled to begin at the Labour Relations Board in Vancouver on January 19. The last collective agreement expired on December 31, 2013.

The BCGEU represents about 150 workers at the Canada Line which is privately operated by Protrans BC and owned by SNC-Lavalin.

SOURCE B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union

Evan Stewart [phone].