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Request for Proposals (RFP) for highways maintenance in the East Kootenay does not include successorship for our members. Will likely result in loss of dedicated and trained employees.
Vancouver (26 Nov. 2015) — The British Columbia Government and Service Employees' Union (BCGEU/NUPGE) is disappointed to learn the Request for Proposals (RFP) for highways maintenance in the East Kootenay does not include successorship for our members. BCGEU/NUPGE members have the training, local knowledge and many years of experience that is crucial for the maintenance of the roads, bridges and highways in the region.
Trained and professional employees will be lost
“Successorship would have ensured these skilled, experienced workers are employed by the successful bidder,” said BCGEU president Stephanie Smith.
“This is good for the travelling public and stakeholders who rely on professionally maintained roads. Successorship would also deliver value to British Columbia’s taxpayers and protect good, family supporting jobs in the region.”
Union planning next steps
“Our union is reviewing the RFP. It is disappointing that there is no retention of current employees. This would provide continuity of service by highways workers who know the area. This part of the province includes two mountain ranges and several months of challenging winter driving conditions. Our members know what it takes to keep roads safe in the region,” said Rory Smith, BCGEU vice president Operational Services – Component 10.
“We will be meeting with our members in the East Kootenay to discuss our next steps to protect our member’s jobs and defend the safety and interests of the travelling public. It is important that our members know their options and that we will be there to support them.”
Highway maintenance contract to cover large area of B.C.
The successful bidder will be responsible for highways maintenance in the East Kootenay for seven years beginning on September 23, 2016. The service area includes Invermere, Kimberley, Cranbrook, Fernie, Elko, Sparwood and Elkford.
NUPGE
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 360,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE