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Striking White Rock workers announce second day of job action

WHITE ROCK — The second day of job action for striking White Rock city workers will be tomorrow, May 8.

The announcement was made by CUPE 402-01 Wednesday afternoon as its members continue to engage in a labour dispute with the city. While the first day of the rotating strike targeted White Rock City Hall last Friday, this time around it’s the public works department that will be affected.

Services impacted will include garbage and recycling collection for residents and businesses, street cleaning and any other parks and road maintenance.

Local union president Mike Guraliuk said that the with the second day of job action, as well as an ongoing ban on overtime and training work, they were looking to send a strong message to the city that it’s time to get back to the bargaining table.

"This dispute can end if the city gets serious about bargaining,” he said. “The union is willing to go back to the bargaining table, but the city has chosen to dictate rather than negotiate."

During the first day of job action, striking workers made up signs chastising Mayor Wayne Baldwin over comments made about the some of the workers’ demands, including long-term disability for casual and part-time workers. Baldwin had previously been quoted as saying some of the issues were “trivial,” a comment the workers have taken offence to. 

"Mayor Baldwin's comments demonstrate that he is out of touch with the needs of his front-line employees and that has come through in bargaining,” said Guraliuk. “We are talking about real people and what they need to get by in their day-to-day lives. It is not trivial and we are demonstrating that by taking job action.”

More to come.