5-week long strike involving workers in concrete industry ends
Posted June 23, 2022 10:25 pm.
Last Updated June 24, 2022 12:31 pm.
The concrete strike in the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley has come to an end after the union representing workers struck a tentative deal.
IUOE Local 115 announced the update late Thursday afternoon after talks with Rempel Bros. Concrete negotiators.
“As of, 6:00 a.m. tomorrow morning, our members will begin returning to work. Some desperately needed pours will no doubt begin this weekend, and our members will have peace of mind that their jobs are secure for the future,” says Mike Mayo, IUOE Local 115 business representative and lead bargaining agent for the concrete dispute.
A strike involving more than 100 workers led to a 35 per cent hit to the Lower Mainland’s concrete supply. (CityNews photo)
Issues brought up during negotiations were working conditions like missed breaks, and wages. The union also said the right to refuse excessive overtime, with drivers being asked to work 14-hour days without sufficient breaks, was a major concern that led to the dispute.
“Rempel Bros. Concrete has agreed to improve working conditions and find solutions to long shifts, that keep their business running efficiently and that respects the right of all workers,” a release reads.
“The company finally realized that long work days and 6-day work weeks had taken a toll our members’ health and safety. The construction industry moves at a rapid pace, and at the end of the day everyone wants to go home to their families and feel accomplished with the hard work they have done for the day, and today Operating Engineers accomplished that,” Brian Cochrane, IUOE 115 Business Manager said.
Related Article: B.C. government faces calls to get involved in concrete strike
The five-week strike left a major gap in the Lower Mainland’s concrete supply, a reported decrease of about 35 per cent/
That shortage impacted an estimated 50 per cent of the construction projects in Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, including the Pattullo Bridge Replacement and the Broadway Subway Project, according to the union.
After the mediator, former Chair of the Labour Relations Board, Jacquie De Aguayo got involved, an agreement was completed.
IUOE Local 115 worked with Teamsters 213 in the negotiation.
