Image Credit: CFJC Today / Kent Simmonds

By Dylana Kneeshaw

USW LOCAL 1-417 STRIKE

Hudson’s Bay Kamloops workers enter second day of strike action

Dec 11, 2023 | 5:30 PM

KAMLOOPS — Monday (Dec. 11) marks the second day of strike action for Kamloops Hudson’s Bay employees.

The United Steelworkers Local 1-417 and the Hudson’s Bay Company have been unable to reach a collective bargaining agreement and picketing began on Sunday.

According to USW Local 1-417 financial secretary Jordan Lawrence, there are between 50 and 55 employees at the Kamloops Hudson’s Bay location, the majority of whom work part-time. The local union branch says the main sticking point during negotiations with the company is wages.

“We’re looking for more money,” Lawrence told CFJC Today from the picket line. “These guys are below a living wage and the employer is still looking to claw back some things from our collective agreement and we just can’t have that.”

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The company and the union met with a mediator at the BC Labour Relations Board on Dec. 5, however they weren’t able to agree on a contract. Until an agreement is reached, workers are picketing outside of the entrances to Hudson’s Bay at Aberdeen Mall in Kamloops.

“We are not stopping people from going in the mall — there’s no chanting or bull horns. We want people to come into the mall and enjoy their time,” reiterates Lawrence. “The Bay is closed right now, but if it was open we ask people to please respect our picket line and not to go and shop at The Bay.”

The union says strike action is expected to continue until the labour dispute is resolved.

“The ball is in their court. If they called right now, we would be back at the table.” says Lawrence.