Overwaitea members deliver 94% strike vote

Save-On members in Zone 1 (Squamish to Hope) sent a loud message to Overwaitea senior management when they voted by 94% to support strike action if necessary. The strong strike mandate from Overwaitea members came after Overwaitea senior management refused to discuss wage increases, the PriceSmart conversion issue, and getting rid of the 2-tier wage grid. Moreover, Overwaitea management’s demands for roll-backs are still on the bargaining table.

“We have said all along our goal is to negotiate a new contract, not a labour dispute, and having a strong strike vote is very important for us at the bargaining table,” said Ivan Limpright, UFCW 1518 President. “Negotiations with the company will resume, and the strike mandate gives the Union Negotiating Committee real strength and sends the message to Overwaitea that they can not ignore the key issues union members want to see addressed.”

OVERWAITEA DEMANDS FOR ROLLBACKS

2-hour shifts
The right to convert ANY Save-On or Overwaitea store to PriceSmart
Elimination of ATOs (a reduction of hours for part-time members, and a wage roll-back for full-time members)
co-pay benefits (rollback from current contract)
salespeople stocking allowed (cuts in hours for all members)
more excluded personnel (cuts in hours for all members)