The Armstrong Regional Co-op liquor store location in Kelowna, B.C., has gone on strike after workers failed to reach a first contract with the company. The workers, who are represented by the Service Employees International Union Local 2, initially pushed for wage increases to match inflation, increased benefits, and bereavement pay. However, negotiations turned sour when monetary issues were brought to the table, leading to the strike action. The strike affects about seven employees at the Gordon Drive location, which is the only ARC Liquor store that is unionized and on strike.
Julia Scott, an employee at the ARC Liquor store, stated that the union formed to get collective bargaining going, but the co-op stopped bargaining with them and left the table. The workers are demanding a cost-of-living adjustment to keep up with inflation, rather than aiming for ARC Liquor to become a living wage employer. The union members are committed to remaining on the picket lines until a fair deal is reached. Despite the strike, ARC Liquor website released a statement saying they respect the rights of the employees to take strike action and remain committed to negotiations to work towards a fair resolution.
The strike notice was issued on Wednesday, and workers officially took action on Saturday at 9 a.m. The North Okanagan Labour Council president, Nicole Cabrejos, expressed that the workers are only asking for a cost-of-living adjustment and not looking for significant gains. She emphasized the importance of keeping up with inflation and stated that workers will never catch up if they can’t even achieve simple gains. The strike has affected operations at the Gordon Drive location, where employees are taking a stand for what they believe is right.
While the co-op was willing to negotiate on non-financial issues, they did not show the same level of respect when it came to monetary matters. This lack of support for the workers’ demands has fueled the strike action and further intensified the labor dispute. Workers like Julia Scott expressed their willingness to fight for fair treatment and what they believe is just, despite preferring to be at work helping customers. The strike has drawn attention to labor issues within the ARC Liquor company and highlights the importance of fair wages and collective bargaining in ensuring workers are treated fairly.
The strike at the ARC Liquor store location in Kelowna has brought attention to the challenges faced by workers in the service industry. The union members are standing firm in their demands for a cost-of-living adjustment and are determined to continue the strike until a resolution is reached. The strike has impacted operations at the Gordon Drive location and has sparked conversations about fair wages and the rights of workers to organize and collectively bargain. Both the workers and the company are committed to finding a fair resolution to the labor dispute, despite the challenges faced during negotiations. The strike serves as a reminder of the importance of workers’ rights and the need for fair treatment in the workplace.
