While negotiations between CityWest and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) local 337 were set to resume this week, the union made a move late last week that changes the labour landscape at the company.
Currently workers at CityWest in Prince Rupert are represented by two locals, local 213 and local 337. As of April 4, however, the two unions will be amalgamated into one.
“The benefits of this strategic alliance of the two locals comes at a good time. We will benefit from the resources, education and additional representation that this amalgamation will bring,” said IBEW local 337 president Lucy Zroback.
“We look forward to representing both the telephone and cable groups employed by CityWest and welcome the telephone members in joining our 4,000 plus members throughout British Columbia.
Also last week, local 213 served CityWest with notice to begin collective bargaining for the cable technician groups that includes Prince Rupert, Terrace, Kitimat and the surrounding area.
Local 337 had served strike notice at the end of March and were set to begin job action on April 2, but the Canadian Industrial Relations Board determined there could be no strike until a deal to cover essential services was reached.