CLS bargaining moves to mediation

Negotiations began with CLS Catering  on April 2, 2014 when the union presented the company with its proposals as developed through ongoing consultation with the membership. In response, the company outlined their desire to expand their business – but at a clear cost to its workers.

When bargaining reconvened on April 21, the company tabled drastic proposals to the committee. CLS is looking to make changes to the collective agreement that have taken years of bargaining to achieve.

The union applauds healthy fiscal growth that ultimately promotes employment stability. However, the bargaining committee has been adamant in their opposition to the company’s harsh proposals; workers at CLS already gave up four per cent of their wages in 2010 to prop up the ailing company.

On April 22, company representatives left the table and filed for mediation with the provincial labour relations board. The employer claimed that the two sides were so far apart that they did not anticipate a resolution without the assistance of a mediator. The union has agreed to mediation. Both parties will meet again in Delta, B.C. from May 6-8 with mediator Grant McArthur.

The committee would like to thank the membership of CLS for their continued support and commits to providing regular updates throughout this process.

In solidarity,