File Photo (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By James Peters

One-Month Strike

Union fires salvo at Hudson’s Bay after ‘insulting’ wage offer

Jan 11, 2024 | 3:49 PM

KAMLOOPS — The union representing striking workers at the Aberdeen Mall Hudson’s Bay location has issued a news release calling the company’s wage offer insulting and its attitude appalling.

Members of United Steelworkers Local 1-417 walked off the job on Dec. 10, demanding better wages.

In a news release, the union says the parties met on Jan. 8, alongside a mediator.

USW 1-417 Financial Secretary Jordan Lawrence says some progress was being made on the company’s concessions until the parties began talking wages.

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“The negotiations fell flat when the talks turned to the insulting 1 per cent yearly increase Hudson’s Bay has offered from the beginning,” said Lawrence. “This offer is roughly a 17-cent raise to those who earn slightly above minimum wage.”

Lawrence added the company’s lead negotiator told the union, “Go on strike forever — it’s not going to change.”

“It’s appalling this is what Hudson’s Bay thinks of its workers. It’s absolutely disgraceful,” said Lawrence.

More than 50 employees are impacted by the strike, which has now hit the one-month mark.

CFJC Today has reached out to the company for a response.