Following meetings with all branches of unionized employees at Kootenay Savings Credit Union, a renewed strike mandate of 96.3% – an increase of two per cent – was voted upon by members of United Steelworkers Union (USW) Locals 1-405 and 9705.

As per the BC Labour Code, the original strike vote given by the unionized employees in June had reached the 90-day limit September 7. On September 13 a new vote was held and the strike vote was larger by 2.3%, a USW bargaining bulletin outlined.

“Over the summer it was hoped that mediation and a strong strike vote would push the employer away from their concessions,” offered Dean Lott, lead negotiator for the USW. “That hasn’t been the case yet. We are scheduled to return to the table on October 17 with the provincial mediator assigned to the file. It’s our hope that the employer will change their position, but if not, we have a renewed mandate from the membership.

“This time it’s a bigger percentage and that tells us that the employees aren’t happy and want to send the employer a message.”

The two parties will return to the bargaining table October 17 in Trail. Mediator Dave Schuab will mediate the bargaining in hopes of achieving a new collective agreement.

There is a Kootenay Savings Credit Union branch in Kimberley.

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