CUPE members in Tofino vote to strike after going without contract since June 2020

Members of CUPE working for the District of Tofino have voted to strike after negotiations hit an impasse over wages and working conditions.

Stacy Watton, president of CUPE Local 118, says employees have been without a contract since June 2020 and the union hopes an agreement can be reached before services to residents and visitors of Tofino are disrupted.

“It is disappointing the District of Tofino is not understanding employees’ concerns,” Watton said in a statement. “We have no choice but to take a stand now to ensure the long-term sustainability of public services for the Tofino community.”

Watton says the union is expecting to meet with the employer in mediation with the BC Labour Relations Board on June 27 and 28 with hopes to avert a labour dispute.

If negotiations are unsuccessful, the union is required to 72 hours’ strike notice before withdrawing services.

CUPE 118 says its members provide services including infrastructure maintenance, childcare and pre-school, municipal administration, parks and recreation, and bylaw enforcement, among other duties.

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