Bay workers striking (image credit - CFJC Today)

By Michael Reeve

BAY STRIKE

With strike over, Aberdeen Mall Hudson’s Bay expected to reopen in June

May 23, 2024 | 12:30 PM

KAMLOOPS — The doors at the Hudson’s Bay store in Kamloops’ Aberdeen Mall are expected to reopen during the second week of June after striking workers ratified an agreement with the company on Wednesday (May 22).

Hudson’s Bay confirmed the reopening timeline in an email to CFJC Today.

The strike, which began in December, lasted 164 days in total before the new agreement was reached with the help of a provincially appointed mediator. That mediator stepped in earlier this month and assisted through two tough days of negotiations. This week, both sides thanked David Schaub for his work.

“The special mediator was the same one that we had as our regular mediator, Dave Schuab. I can’t thank him enough for his role in this,” said Jordan Lawrence, USW Local 1-417. “But, I just think having those extra powers — I think both sides may have realized this was the last kick of the can and then who knows how long it would have gone after that?”

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Back in January, the union, representing approximately 50 workers, most of whom are part-time, rejected an offer of a one per cent yearly increase. While Lawrence was unable to speak directly to the details of the new deal, he did confirm the ratified deal was an improvement on that figure.

“We have come up from that. I can definitely say I don’t think either side got everything they where looking for., but when you have a strike of this length or sometimes any strike I don’t think either side gets everything they want,” said Lawrence. “There are some provisions for people going back that will get the one per cent and more, and there are some provisions for people who maybe can’t see themselves going back.”