Image Credit: CFJC Today / Kent Simmonds

By Aaron Schulze

Hudson's Bay Strike

Province appoints special mediator between Hudson’s Bay and striking Kamloops workers

May 3, 2024 | 12:00 PM

KAMLOOPS — The B.C. government has appointed a special mediator for the ongoing labour dispute between the Hudson’s Bay Company in Kamloops and its striking workers.

B.C.’s Minister of Labour Harry Bains appointed David Schaub as the special mediator between Hudson’s Bay and the workers’ union, United Steelworkers (USW) Local 1-417. The labour dispute is entering its sixth month after workers at the Aberdeen Mall location walked off the job on Dec. 10, 2023.

In a news release issued Friday (May 3), the province says Schaub will work with Hudson’s Bay and the union for up to 14 days to secure a resolution. If a settlement cannot be reached within this timeline, the province says Schaub will issue recommendations to end the dispute with both parties having five days to either accept or reject the recommendations.

Under the Labour Relations Code, a special mediator assists in settling the terms of a collective agreement and reports back to the minister responsible. The province credits Schaub as being a highly regarded mediator in the labour, business and public-sector communities.

USW 1-417 previously said the company and the union met alongside a mediator on Jan. 8. USW said progress was being made on the company’s concessions until it offered workers a one per cent yearly wage increase.

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The appointment of Schaub comes one week after United Steelworkers launched a national campaign in support of the Aberdeen Mall Hudson’s Bay employees.

More than 50 employees are impacted by the strike.