Unifor 2301 has issued their response to the community in relation to the executive’s decision to not allow Kitimat mayor and council to the Labour Day Picnic the union hosts each year.
“The Unifor Local 2301 Executive Board is well aware that this decision has stirred a lot of controversy within our community,” read a media release signed by 2301 President Sean O’Driscoll.
“The Local 2301 Executive took this action in consideration of the sentiments in our community, particularly amongst the labour movement, following the recent labour dispute between the District of Kitimat and Unifor Local 2300, which represents DOK unionized workers.
We stand in solidarity with our Brothers and Sisters of Unifor Local 2300.”
In light of the recent strike between Local 2300 workers, “and the fact that emotions are still running high within the community and the justifiable residual enmity amongst unionized DOK workers towards local elected officials following the end of a long labour dispute, Unifor 2301 Executive felt it was prudent to allow for a ‘cooling off period’ in order to avoid, in the interests of all parties, any potential spontaneous flare-ups at a family function.
Unifor 2301’s paramount desire is to conduct a successful, fun, family event, celebrating the positive influence of organized labour on all aspects of our society.”
The release goes on that the union is comitted to “fostering progressive relationships and partnerships” with all stakeholders, including the municipal government, First Nations, and other groups, “regardless of whether they belong to a union.”
“As controversial and unpopular as the action taken by the Unifor 2301 Local Executive Board may reputedly be, this decision does have the unanimous support of the Local 2300 Executive Board and moreover was made with the objective of holding a family-oriented event without distraction or disruption.
“To this end, we encourage the public’s support of both Unifor Local 2301’s Executive Board decision and the Labour Day Picnic itself.”