Castlegar, Slocan Park credit union workers reject employers latest offer

Unionized workers at StellarVista Credit Union branches in Castlegar and Slocan Park have overwhelmingly rejected the employer’s latest contract offer, extending job action into it’s 15th week. 

Eleven members of United Steelworkers (USW) Local 1-405 in Castlegar and Slocan Park have been on strike for more than 14 weeks. 

A press release from USW stated that 10 days of mediation with a B.C. Labour Relations Board provincial mediator led to the USW bargaining committee agreeing to take back a tentative settlement for members to vote on, without a recommendation to settle. 

Following a review, members rejected the settlement by a vote of 10–1. 

The determining factor, according to the union, was the employer’s offer of lump sums in the first two years of the agreement, and a 2 per cent increase in the third year – along with the elimination of hard-won provisions that the union said have been in the collective agreement for decades. 

USW agreed to return to mediation on July 14 and 15, but made it clear that the membership will not accept concessions to resolve the strike. 

Following the July 14 mediation, the union said it appeared that the employer “isn’t willing” to move closer to a path to an agreement. 

“The employer continues to propose lump sums instead of wage increases – although upper management, including the CEO, took a 5 per cent wage increase in 2024 – and eliminate ATO (accumulated time off),” said the USW in a statement. 

“The employer also continues to threaten the elimination of employee banking benefits – including removing those hard-earned benefits for retirees that were offered those benefits in writing when they retired.” 

As a result, the USW bargaining committee rejected the employer’s slightly adjusted offer outright, and the strike continues. 


Want to get your business noticed? Have you considered advertising through your local radio station? Speak to one of our sales agents and find out how radio advertising can boost your business today. Call 250-365-7600 or email Vista Radio.

Storrm Lennie
Storrm Lennie
Storrm began her journalism career in the Kootenays, joining Vista Radio in 2022. Originally from Red Deer, Alta., she now calls Nelson home and brings her passion for politics and community to her reporting.

Continue Reading

cjat Now playing play

ckqr Now playing play

- Advertisement -

Related Articles

- Advertisement -

Latest News

Fire out at Kalesnikoff Lumber

No one was injured in a fire at the local sawmill this afternoon, but damage is described as "significant."

Rainy weather not enough to dampen wildfires in B.C.

Officials in British Columbia warn wildfires in the northeast and southwest are expected to persist despite rain and cooler temperatures this week.

Accused strawberry thief arrested in Trail

A 40-year-old Trail man is awaiting a bail hearing after being arrested following an attempted break-in that netted some strawberries and a pair of shoes.

Russian program being phased out at Castlegar school 

A signature program in the Kootenay-Columbia school district is saying a long goodbye. 

UPDATED: Genelle crash a ‘scary close call,’ police say

Highway 22 is closed at Genelle following a collision between a motorcycle and a dump truck.
- Advertisement -