LafargeHolcim bargaining resumes
An end may be in sight for Texada Island quarry workers who have been on a picket line since last fall.
Texada Quarrying owner LafargeHolcim announced in a company email statement on Friday, February 17, that it presented a new contract offer to United Steelworkers Local 816.
In the email, Lafarge spokesperson Jennifer Lewis stated that contentious language relating to job classifications has been removed in the new offer.
Union representative Earl Graham confirmed that the union met with LafargeHolcim on Tuesday, February 15, to receive the offer and stated that it will maintain the status quo for worker seniority.
Bargaining agents for the company and union are scheduled to meet on March 1 and 2 to work on other outstanding issues.
The union has been locked out since October 2016.
Ferry inspections
BC Ferries issued a service notice for March 1 sailings between Powell River and Comox; the last round trip of the day is being cancelled, affecting the 6:50 pm departure from Comox (Little River) and 8:45 pm return sailing.
Ferries spokesperson Darin Guenette said Queen of Burnaby is required to undergo a mandatory regulatory inspection in order to extend its use until the fleet’s newest ship, Salish Orca, is able to go into service in April.
Guenette said BC Ferries will add an additional round-trip sailing between Saltery Bay and Earls Cove that afternoon to allow customers more options for travel.
Service will resume with the 6:20 am sailing from Comox on Thursday, March 2.
