Workers at the Horizon North’s Kobes Creek Lodge have been locked out as their contract squabble continues to persist.
According to UNITE HERE Local 40, the workers were told they had 30 minutes to gather their belongings and were then bussed to Fort St. John where they sat at a hotel parking lot.
Many of the workers are based out of Edmonton, several hours away.
“It’s outrageous,” said Miranda Nedd, First Cook at Kobes Creek Lodge. “All we’re asking for is a living wage and they kick us out and leave us on the side of the road like garbage. We’re not disposable and we’re going to fight until we win. We are some of the lowest paid workers in BC’s resource camps. We deserve fair pay and respect.”
The 31 culinary, housekeeping and janitorial staff have been bargaining for a new contract since December and are asking for better wages, travel pay and improved benefits.
Union members voted in favour of strike action in February and served a strike notice on Friday.
“We have been patient and committed throughout the bargaining process,” Nedd said. Monday evening’s delegation was a brief work stoppage to show the workers’ unity in demanding a fair contract. Kobes Creek workers ask for support from the BC camps community while they fight to return to work.”
The Dexterra Group has issued the following statement regarding the Labour Strike Activity:
Dexterra Group acknowledges the commencement of strike activity at our Kobes Creek location, which began on April 28th. While we respect the rights of unionized employees to engage in lawful job action, we are disappointed that an agreement could not be reached through collective bargaining.
Our top priority remains the safety and well-being of all employees and guests on site. We have implemented contingency plans to ensure continued operations and to minimize disruption.
Dexterra remains committed to negotiating in good faith and is available to return to the bargaining table at any time to reach a fair and sustainable agreement. We are hopeful that the parties can come together to resolve the outstanding issues and return to normal operations as soon as possible.
For privacy and operational reasons, we will not be commenting further at this time.
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