17 Kelowna jail guards have issued a 72 hour strike notice again. Members of CUPE Local 338 are in dispute with Commissionaires BC over wages and could take job action as early as Friday morning at 6am.
Julie Powers, spokesperson for Commissionaires BC says she's hopeful a deal can be reached before a strike, but, "there have not been any further discussions with the union at this time, however, we have been, and continue to make the offer to engage in third party binding arbitration in order to get the matter resolved."
Powers says the union has rejected the offer of arbitration.
It's the second time a 72 hour strike notice has been issued in the last 2 weeks. The first attempt was thwarted when Commissionaires BC pointed out to the Labour Relations Board that the strike notice was emailed, and needs to be faxed to be valid. Another such move is not being explored by the employer.
If the union decides to strike on Friday, or anytime afterwards, they must still have some staff working in the jail as they have been deemed an essential service.