B.C. elevator workers avoid strike, for now: union
Posted October 16, 2023 9:18 pm.
Last Updated October 16, 2023 9:22 pm.
Job action has been avoided for elevator workers across B.C. after the bargaining process between the union and employers restarted on Monday, the union says.
The International Union of Elevator Constructors Local 82 represents 900 elevator maintenance workers across B.C. It says mediated negotiations stopped Thursday when four employers — Otis, Schindler, KONE and TK Elevator — tabled a wage offer significantly lower than what the union has bargained in other jurisdictions.
In response, the union says it served a 72-hour strike notice for its maintenance and service sectors. On Saturday, the union announced it had been served lock-out notices by four multinational employers for those sectors, as well as the construction sector — something that has the potential to affect millions of buildings and construction sites in B.C.
Now, Mike Funk, business manager for the union, says both parties are attempting to reach a new collective agreement through talks at the Labour Relations Board.
“We came to the Labour Relations Board to mediate essential service language but were able to restart bargaining and as of late this afternoon, talks continue with the four employers’ representatives,” Funk said. “Our union is trying to avoid any job action and will continue negotiations as late as possible this evening to get a fair and reasonable contract for our members.”
If talks break down tonight, Funk says both sides will need to return to the Labour Relations Board to complete the postponed essential service language discussions, meaning a lockout or strike would not occur Tuesday.
Funk says the union will not accept the wage increase offer that it claims is too low, especially considering the four employers made $7.7 billion in total profits in 2021.
“We want to assure the public that our union is doing everything possible to reach a fair and reasonable new collective agreement, but if these four employers do not improve their offer, there will be some form of job action,” Funk said.
-With files from Renee Bernard and Emma Crawford.
