4570 replies to this topic

[Mike K.]

There you go.

[todd]

"In the heart of the pandemic, BC Ferries put approximately 150 unvaccinated people on unpaid leave. Now with the federal vaccine mandate lifted, it’s giving those employees a choice.
"Now there's an opportunity for those folks to come back to work, which we’re hoping will provide some relief for the shortage of workers we have," said Eric McNeely, provincial president of the BC Ferry and Marine Workers Union."
 
This doesn't mention those that just left. 
 
It's one way to change loyalties. To abandon your employees when they are being forced to choose - have their bodies violated or keep their job. Then when they need them back say "we will give you back your job, for now".... Many had enough time and the need to work other things out. 
 
It's like my friend who went back to work at his previous job. Didn't take his old position back in management. He told them he just didn't care about the company anymore after the way they treated him.... 
 
https://vancouverisl...rtage-1.5959168

Would probably go a long way if they allowed their employees to smoke tobacco on the vessels. 8+ hours on a boat, lot of good mariners smoke tobacco



How many quit because of the increased risk of working with unvaccinated?

[Nparker]

...How many quit because of the increased risk of working with unvaccinated?

If I had to guess, zero.

[todd]

If I had to guess, zero.

OK

[dasmo]

Edited by dasmo, 22 August 2022 - 04:33 PM.

[todd]

^You believe the science that smoking is bad?

[LJ]

That overtime ban cuts both ways, a lot of employees depend on overtime work to maintain their lifestyle.

[dasmo]

^You believe the science that smoking is bad?

It’s called tobacco science for a reason. Seems like you believe it.

[vortoozo]

Over half of Canadians say they can't keep pace with the current cost of living, according to a survey released Monday by the Angus Reid Institute.

The polling firm surveyed 2,279 Canadian adults who are members of the Angus Reid Forum from Aug. 8-10 and found that 56 per cent of them are struggling to keep up as high inflation and interest rates force them to tighten their belts.


https://www.cbc.ca/n...-2022-1.6558248



Meanwhile BC Ferries is having record travellers.

 

Many will be belt-tightening and I suspect there will be less discretionary spend.

Having said that, it seems that we're somewhat sheltered compared to what's happening elsewhere.

I was in Port Angeles on the weekend and was shocked at the pricing. Seems that it's ballooned significantly more there than here.

 

Fish and chips with a cup of chowder and a pint at a local pub was $47 USD - $61 CAD.

A 12-pack of Pepsi at Safeway was $8.99 USD - nearly $12 CAD. The same pack is $7.29 at Save-On-Foods (not on sale). Sure it's come up a dollar or two here, but it's 40% cheaper here. That's unheard of in recent past.

We have it comparatively good.

[lanforod]

Why do we only hear about the wages, but not the benefits?

The benefits are not the issue for either side this time around.

[Nparker]

In my 30+ years working for the BC Public Service, issues related to benefits generally went quite smoothly during contract negotiations. Wages were almost always the sticking point.

[Victoria Watcher]

Bars, restaurants hurt by BCGEU picketing

The BCGEU picketing of Liquor Distribution Branch location has resulted in B.C. Liquor Stores limiting purchases. This is certainly an inconvenience for the public, but not the end of the world as there are many private liquor stores.

More concerning is the effect on bars, pubs and restaurants, which have barely weathered the COVID shutdowns and interruptions. Many workers in bars and restaurants were laid off or on reduced hours. Many owners of restaurants wondered if their business would survive.

Just when things were looking up for the hospitality industry, another disruption. How many BCGEU employees had the luxury of working from home, with full salary during the pandemic?

How many bar, pub and restaurant employees worked from home with full salary? None.

The BCGEU is targeting a profit centre for the government in an attempt to get leverage on the employer. The lack of thought to the collateral damage in the private sector is shameful.

The offer to the BCGEU is an 11 per cent pay raise plus a $2,500 signing bonus. How many bar, pub and restaurant workers would jump at that offer? All of them.

Except they are pawns in a fight with the BCGEU, that never really suffered during COVID, and the government. This strike action is opportunistic and shameful.

Kevin Burns

Victoria


https://www.timescol...doctors-5728028

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 23 August 2022 - 02:38 AM.

[dasmo]

Just put them on unpaid leave for their unacceptable opinions, hire new employees, declare an emergency and then trample the picketers with horses, have the media justify it by calling them all racists!

I’m a solutions guy.

[lanforod]

I know you jest... but piss off this union to that level, and the damage these folks could cause to this province is hard to state. Essential services not running would cause far more damange than simply giving them COLA adjustments (and yes, to all the other unions in line too).

[spanky123]

^ Unfortunately for the unions, their demands come at a time where the Government is trying to get a handle on inflation before it becomes entrenched, and giving such a large percentage of the workforce what amounts to a 15% raise (including signing bonus) would ensure that inflation digs in.

 

The Government really has no choice but to hold the line.

[Nparker]

...The Government really has no choice but to hold the line.

Then be prepared for a general strike.

[lanforod]

I'm fairly certain we will get to that point. It's going to be an interesting fall.

[dasmo]

^ Unfortunately for the unions, their demands come at a time where the Government is trying to get a handle on inflation before it becomes entrenched, and giving such a large percentage of the workforce what amounts to a 15% raise (including signing bonus) would ensure that inflation digs in.

The Government really has no choice but to hold the line.

That’s what they shouted to each other in Ottawa before they were trampled by horses.

Just keeping the thread on topic…

[spanky123]

Then be prepared for a general strike.

 

Could be but with 48% of BC'ers unsure how they are going to pay their bills due to inflation, do you think that there is going to be a lot of sympathy for a group holding out for a 15% raise?

 

Do the unions have enough of a war chest to pay their employees for a month or two while they are on strike?

Edited by spanky123, 23 August 2022 - 08:29 AM.

[Nparker]

I suspect it will depend on how many groups are "holding out". The BCGEU isn't the only union currently in contract negotiations. A general strike could potentially impact a huge number of services across the province.