PSAC members plantgate CFB Comox in support of IMP
Published by Patrick February 8th, 2007 in Bargaining, IMP, North Vancouver Island Tags: action, Bargaining, news, Photos.James Little, reporting from CFB Comox … updated Feb 9: Thanks to Mark Miller (UNDE 21016) for some more photos.
PSAC members employed at IMP Group Limited set up information lines at the gates of CFB Comox in the early mornings of Feb. 6th and 7th. These members were informing their co-workers of the lack of progress five months of negotiations have achieved. The PSAC has recently asked the federal government to appoint a conciliation officer in an effort to speed up the bargaining process.
Each morning we set up the information lines at 06:30 hrs and the member participation was outstanding. The Commissionaires, the Military Police and members of the military with their loaded guns, greeted us each morning. Turns out the military was also conducting an identification search at the same time as our plant gate. This actually turned out to be a benefit for our members as the military was slowing traffic making it easier for us to distribute the over 400 flyers each day.
The weather on the second day turned a little nasty (rain and wind) however it did not dilute the members resolve. We had traffic backed up for about one mile and the people traveling to work were extremely supportive. A local Victoria radio station CFAX 1070 did a brief report on the Tuesday morning activities.
Our line was supported by Greg Isberg, Dayna Martin, George Rapin (members responsible for IMP negotiations), Randy Stevens (UNDE Local President 21007), Mark Miller (Alternate RVP - UNDE) and Gail Jewsbury (North Island Regional Council Member). All in all, this was a great exercise and a really good demonstration of the members resolves to continue their fight for a fair and decent contract.
Update, Feb 9: thanks to Mark Miller, Pres. UNDE 21016, for these photos. Click on them for a larger view.
 