Pacific Blue Cross (PBC) claims it hasn’t locked out its striking members, who have been on the picket line since early July.
The union, however, remains firm in its characterization of the job action.
Anne Williams, the communications manager for the Burnaby-based benefits provider, says calling the job action a lockout “is not the case.” Rather, CUPE Local 1816 is out on a legal strike.
PBC employees have been without a contract since last year. Negotiations started last fall, but have broken off because both sides can’t agree on wages and retiree benefits.
On May 2, the union started rotating departments on the picket line, and on June 30, Pacific Blue Cross advised the local that further job action would result in employees not being allowed to return to work.
“On Monday, (July 10), we opened the doors, we sent an email to staff (saying) we want you to come back. They chose to stay out and start striking,” said Williams. “They’ve never been back since, and as (is) typical in any strike situation, that’s when we’ve blocked access until the negotiations resume and they indicate they want to come back.”
Employees were denied building access later that day, she added.
“It’s tough to be perceived as locking out our employees. It’s the word that’s difficult,” said Williams.
Union president Beth Miller still maintains it’s a lockout.
“If we’re not locked out, why is it that their access card doesn’t work?” she said. “They have sent out a few communications to us and they always say you’re welcome back anytime. Again, there’s no access at all. If you’re welcome back anytime, your card pass should work.”
Both parties will be meeting with mediator Vince Ready on Sept. 8 and 9.
