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Picket line goes up outside Chemainus library

Two sides still far apart in ongoing dispute between VIRL and BCGEU
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Striking BCGEU members are supported on the picket line at the Chemainus library by CUPE members. From left: Jonathon Bigelow, Jude Cooper, Jeff Strain, Anthony Martin, Dalia Levy, Martha Martinez, Virginia Imlay and Tamalane Garside. (Photo by Don Bodger)

The ongoing labour dispute between the Vancouver Island Regional Library and B.C. General Employees Union hasn’t been highly-visible in Chemainus, but that all changed Friday, April 1.

For the second time since rotating strikes began, pickets were outside the VIRL’s Chemainus branch.

The situation remains at a stalemate. As of Wednesday, March 30, the BCGEU reported all members working as VIRL employees will be on strike. “In person and virtual services at all VIRL branches will be affected. Some branches will be behind picket lines, other branches will be operating but will not have librarians available.”

Both sides are bringing their arguments into the public realm in the absence of an agreement.

BCGEU’s statement publicly questions the fairness of the offer after mediated negotiations failed to produce an agreement.

“Unfortunately, after a second evening of mediated negotiations with the employer, a fair and respectful agreement was not found for VIRL librarians,” it reads. “Much back and forth and effort was made from both sides, but the gap on wages is still outstanding. We welcome a fair offer from the employer.”

VIRL, meanwhile, stresses the financial sustainability of communities, while blaming the union for rejecting the offer.

“Following two nights of VIRL-requested mediation, during which VIRL put forward an offer it considers fair and respectful to our librarians, and sustainable for the communities it serves, regrettably the offer was rejected by the BCGEU bargaining committee.”

VIRL stated that a “fair and reasonable offer” remains on the table.

The collective agreement between the VIRL and BC General Employees’ Union Local 702 expired Dec. 31, 2020 and the two sides have been bargaining since September 2021.

– with a file from Wolf Depner, Black Press Media.



Don Bodger

About the Author: Don Bodger

I've been a part of the newspaper industry since 1980 when I began on a part-time basis covering sports for the Ladysmith-Chemainus Chronicle.
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