UPDATE: AUGUST 30, 2022 — The BCGEU has ended its job action in good faith, as bargaining between the BC Government and BCGEU continues.
(TRI-CITIES) August 25, 2022 — The Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce urges the BCGEU and BC Government to immediately resolve the BCGEU contract negotiations, and calls on the BCGEU to cease the job action that is crippling liquor and cannabis distribution in B.C. The strike is harming hundreds of thousands of workers and business owners in hospitality, tourism, accommodations, and events, who are already struggling to recover from the hard-hitting effects on their industries from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Tri-Cities Chamber supports the statement issued by the BC Chamber of Commerce, and the open letter signed by 19 associations.
As stated in the joint letter: “Since the BCGEU commenced job action on Aug. 15, B.C.’s hospitality, liquor, and cannabis businesses have already begun to experience product shortages with severe impacts on their revenue. We have been cut off from vital inventory needed to maintain the viability of our businesses and the jobs we support and create. Should this strike continue, our industries will unfairly bear the brunt of serious economic consequences including business closures and layoffs, cancelled events such as concerts and weddings, loss of consumer confidence, and damage to B.C.’s reputation among tourists and consumers. We cannot afford for this strike to continue.
“On behalf of our collective memberships, we will not accept becoming collateral damage in your labour dispute. As both parties return to the negotiating table, we ask you to put the interests of British Columbia first, and resolve your differences immediately to prevent further losses and impacts to the hospitality and tourism sector. As an act of good faith, we also urge for the removal of picket lines while negotiations are ongoing.”
Read the B.C. Chamber of Commerce statement here.
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Since 1971, the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce has been the largest business association serving Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Anmore, and Belcarra, now representing 800+ organizations from every sector. The Chamber works to foster economic development, provide connections and benefits, and influence public policy at all levels of government to ensure strong business and strong communities. The Tri-Cities Chamber is an active member of the BC and Canadian Chambers of Commerce.
For more information, contact:
Leslie Courchesne, Chief Executive Officer
Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce
ceo@tricitieschamber.com
604.468.6870