One-day strike action at Valemount Transfer Station

By Spencer Hall

The Valemount Transfer Station will be closed Monday due to ongoing job action from CUPE 1699.

The union, which represents over 100 workers at the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George, said in a release Monday morning that picket lines have been established at the Valemount, Mackenzie, and Foothills Transfer Stations and regular services at these locations will resume on Tuesday.

“The decision to withdraw service was not easy,” said CUPE 1699 president Daniel Burke, “but we were left with little choice. Our members deserve to be treated fairly. They deserve the same wage increases as workers in other municipalities in our region.”

He added the union has “repeatedly communicated” its willingness to return to the bargaining table with the RDFFG. 

The RDFFG said in a release last Wednesday it is “committed” to finding a solution and the District previously attempted to return to mediation, but claims the request was rejected by the union.

Burke told The Goat the District’s claim was false.

“We have not declined mediation and are willing to return to the table when the employer is willing to negotiate a wage increase in line with other municipalities.”

As of Monday, the Robson Valley and Canoe Valley Recreation Centres are open for drop-in activities. Fees for those activities are currently not being collected.

Once service at the Valemount Transfer Station resumes, fees for small loads of household garbage also won’t be collected until further notice.

This is a developing story and may be updated as more information becomes available.