The United Steelworkers have launched a national campaign in support of the striking workers at the Aberdeen Mall location in Kamloops.
The nationwide campaign, which comes during Bay Days, is urging people shopping at other Hudson’s Bay outlets to “support their cause and put pressure on management to reach a fair deal and reopen the Kamloops store.”
As part of the campaign, members of the Steelworkers union will be handing out flyers to people outside Hudson’s Bay stores in a number of cities.
“We are proud to stand in solidarity with our members across the country to reach a fair deal now,” said Scott Lunny, USW Director for Western Canada, said in a statement.
“By reaching out to customers nationwide, we hope to demonstrate the widespread support for these workers and urge Hudson’s Bay management to come back to the table with a fair offer.”
Those flyers will outline the ongoing dispute, highlight the impact of the strike on their livelihoods and call on the Hudson’s Bay bosses to get back to the bargaining with a fair deal.
Hudson’s Bay workers in Kamloops have been on strike since Dec. 10, calling for better wages and improved working conditions.
USW Local 1-417 Financial Secretary Jordan Lawrence says the two sides remain far apart on wages despite six months of negotiations and mediation.
“We understand that our decision to strike may inconvenience some customers, but we believe it is necessary to draw attention to the unfair treatment from Hudson’s Bay,” Lawrence said. “We urge consumers to support us in our fight for a fair deal and to join us in holding Hudson’s Bay accountable. To the residents of Kamloops – please respect our picket line by not shopping online during Bay Days.”
The Steelworkers are also asking B.C. Minister of Labour, Harry Bains, to appoint a special mediator to try to end the dispute.
The only previous labour dispute at the Hudson’s Bay in Kamloops was back in 1993 during negotiations over the first collective agreement, a dispute that lasted nine months.