Strike Notice Issued at Vancouver Art Gallery

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CUPE Local 15 has served 72-hour strike notice on behalf of some 200 unionized workers at the Vancouver Art Gallery.

The union said the move on Jan. 28 responded to the gallery's refusal to move away from its demands for concessions from workers. 

“After months of bargaining, gallery managers continue to pursue major concessions and two-tier working conditions and scheduling models,” said CUPE Local 15 president Warren Williams.

“The VAG’s business managers have rejected a number of reasonable counter-proposals, and this has left us with no choice but to move forward with job action.”

Cuts to sick leave and major changes to long-standing scheduling practices are among the concessions demanded by the gallery, the union said. Documents tabled by the union suggest the VAG lags behind other Canadian galleries in compensation.

“Attempting to cut workers’ sick leave entitlements is the kind of behaviour we expect from the most regressive of employers, not the Vancouver Art Gallery,” said Williams. “Patrons, supporters and donors all expect the VAG to maintain high standards in its operations, including fair treatment of its workers.”

The Globe and Mail reported that the gallery had issued an email statement saying it continues to engage in a "collaborative and respectful" bargaining process. “Monetary discussions are ongoing and we are continuing the bargaining process in good faith as we all work towards an agreement that will benefit both parties."

The last collective agreement expired in July 2017. The two sides have been bargaining for more than eight months. They are scheduled to meet again Jan. 29 and Jan. 30. The union will be in a legal strike position as of Jan. 31.

CUPE Local 15 represents more than 7,000 municipal, education, community social service, and not-for-profit workers in Vancouver.

Source: Canadian Union of Public Employees and the Globe and Mail