The union representing more than 600 Pacific Blue Cross workers currently in a labour dispute wants to grow its picket line.
CUPE Local 1816 has filed an application with the Labour Relations Board of British Columbia to allow picketing at 29 travel insurance brokers across B.C., ones the union says are “allies” of the Burnaby-based benefits services provider.
Pacific Blue Cross employees have been on the picket line since July 10. The company and the union started bargaining a new collective agreement last fall but came to an impasse on wages and retiree benefits.
Beth Miller, the union’s president, said Pacific Blue Cross has acted in bad faith by steering customers to the brokers during the labour dispute.
“The brokers are taking away our work,” she said. “(Pacific Blue Cross) is trying to keep the business going, and they can’t do it themselves.”
However, Heidi Worthington, Pacific Blue Cross’ senior vice-president told the NOW that’s not the case.
“Insurance brokers have worked in unison with Pacific Blue Cross to sell travel insurance for many years,” she said, adding members have always had the option of buying through PBC or through a partner broker.
“After our union began striking on July 10, it was important for us to remind members that our brokers remain another option. ... While most of our travel plans can be purchased online, for our senior members over the age of 61, travel brokers provide critical expertise to ensure they get the right coverage for pre-existing conditions.”
Worthington added “it came as a disappointment” to learn of CUPE’s application to the labour relations board.
The two sides will be heading to mediation with Vince Ready on Sept. 8 and 9.
