MEDIA RELEASE

City of Williams Lake For Immediate Release

February 18, 2013
Tel: 250-392-2311 Fax: 250-392-4408 450 Mart Street Williams Lake, BC V2G 1N3

Union walks away from the Negotiating table again

As we noted in our earlier press release, the City of Williams Lake and the Union of Operating Engineers Local 882-B resumed negotiations Monday morning. Unfortunately, the talks ended quickly when the Union again walked away from the table. By walking out the Union has signaled that the parties are at an impasse. However, the Union continues to refuse to use the services of a professional Labour Relations Board mediator. The City believes that the assistance of a neutral third party would help the parties achieve a mutually satisfactory collective agreement. People may hear from the Union that the City is bargaining in bad faith, but this is simply not true, explained Geoff Goodall, Acting CAO for the City of Williams Lake. We have been extremely clear from day one that we are willing to negotiate but that there are several unsustainable items that need to be addressed. Were disappointed that the talks have broken off again and were concerned by the fact that the Union will not consider professional mediation to help move us forward. Wed like to get back to the table and negotiate a collective agreement that meets both the Citys and our employees needs as soon as possible, he added. An essential service order remains in place. The Airport will continue its normal operations. The RCMP may have somewhat restricted counter service but will otherwise continue to provide normal services. All activities at the Cariboo Memorial Sports Complex are cancelled. City Hall will continue to provide reduced service from 8:30am to 4:30pm. 30 For more information, contact: Ashley Williston Manager of Human Resources 250-392-2311