WEDNESDAY, JUNE 16, 2004

Vancouver… The Executive Director of the Building and Construction Trades Council has added his support to the Nelson CUPE workers who have been locked-out by their employer. The Building Trades is the umbrella organization for fourteen (14) construction unions across the province. There are roughly 500 Building Trades affiliate members who live in Nelson and the surrounding area. “This type of confrontation with workers is totally uncalled for” according to Wayne Peppard, a former resident of the area. “I urge the city of Nelson to come back to the bargaining table as soon as possible to talk about resolving this dispute”, Peppard said. “The longer the city waits the more entrenched positions become, Nelson doesn’t need the type of bitterness that can result from a labour dispute.” Peppard added.

Nelson city workers were locked out by their employer in spite of having agreed to over $4.2 million in staff cut savings.

The city continues to insist that the workers give up contract language that limits the city from privatizing all City services.

“The community of Nelson wants respect for its workers and their families, I would hope that the Mayor and Council reconsider their hard position for the common good”, Peppard concluded.

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For further information contact 

the BCYT-BCTC office:  604-291-9020

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