MoveUP Members at BC Transit Vote in Favour of Job Action
September 16, 2014
For Immediate Release
MoveUP Members at BC Transit Vote in Favour of Job Action
BC Transit members of the Canadian Office & Professional Employees Union, Local 378 (MoveUP) have voted overwhelmingly in favour of job action. Faced with an impasse in negotiations, MoveUP’s members gave the union a 96 per cent strike vote.
BC Transit is saying it needs to reduce health benefits that MoveUP members currently depend upon, in order to cut costs. The union’s bargaining committee put forward an alternative proposal around scheduling that could realize similar savings for BC Transit, and would be a “win-win” for both MoveUP’s members and the employer. But BC Transit rejected the union’s proposal and continues to insist on reducing health benefits.
“I’m hopeful that BC Transit hears this message and comes back to the table to negotiate a fair agreement,” said MoveUP Vice-President Heather Lee. “Our members want to work with the company to conclude an agreement that works for all parties, but they’re being asked to sacrifice unnecessarily.”
The union’s bargaining committee is approaching the employer to hopefully head back to the bargaining table.
“We want to work out a fair deal that doesn’t leave our members with less,” said Lee. “I hope BC Transit gets the message and is willing to work with us.”
MoveUP represents approximately 130 BC Transit employees, who live and work in and around Victoria.
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Media Contact:
Jarrah Hodge, Communications Officer