Strike notice issued at Salmon Arm retirement home

Photo: Vantage Living

BC Government Employees Union workers at retirement home in Salmon Arm have issued 72-hour strike notice.

The union announced Friday its members at Lakeside Manor will be walking off the job on Monday at 11 a.m. if no deal is reached by then. The facility is owned by Edmonton-based Vantage Living Inc.

The union says it is preparing to strike after several months of negotiations that have failed to address the rising cost of living and staff turnover.

"This dispute is about seniors’ care workers fighting for the respect and support they deserve, and the respect and support those in their care deserve," said BCGEU president Stephanie Smith.

"Our members are demanding fair compensation so they can put a stop to the revolving door of poorly paid workers and deteriorating conditions at Lakeside Manor.”

The union says it is seeking wage increases in line with inflation. Right now, most workers make minimum wage with the highest pay at $20.90 per hour.

“This is another case of a for-profit company prioritizing the bottom line over wages and working conditions and by extension, the conditions of care residents experience” continued Smith. “For this reason, Lakeside Manor residents are also engaged and supporting members' actions to improve conditions for everyone that lives and works in the facility.”

Vantage Living declined comment when contacted by Castanet, but said they are bargaining in good faith.

The union says it remains dedicated to reaching an agreement in the effort to avoid a strike.

The BCGEU represents 30 workers at Lakeside Manor, which is an independent living facility, who voted 84 per cent in favour of strike action last October.