November 2, 2000

City seeks court order to restore services

The City of Vancouver has asked the Labour Relations Board to file the City’s Essential Services Order with the B.C. Supreme Court. The move was in response to events this morning in which CUPE 15 picketers prevented City sanitation trucks from leaving the Manitoba Works Yard.

Earlier this week, the City of Vancouver and CUPE 1004 reached an agreement that would restore some key services to the public — primarily leaf clearing and garbage and waste collection. The agreement was issued as an amendment to the Essential Services Order by the Labour Relations Board.

Under the Order, CUPE Local 1004 is required to provide unionized staff to work on specific services. It then becomes illegal for picketers to prevent these designated employees from undertaking the job functions outlined in the Order.

This morning, as required by the Order, about 140 sanitation workers from CUPE 1004 reported to work to resume garbage and waste collection. However, sanitation trucks were blocked from leaving for their routes by picketers. Crews working on leaf clearing were allowed out through the picket line.

The City hopes to restore its garbage and waste collection as soon as possible.

Media contact: Catherine Clement 873-7270

 

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