Mediator tries to end stalemate

A mediator is expected to book into a labour dispute at the District of Coldstream this week.

The official has been appointed by the B.C. Labour Relations Board to try and find common ground between the District and its unionized workers, after talks broke down in August.

Wages are a key stumbling block, with the members of CUPE Local 626 voting 96 per cent in favour of strike action back in September, citing disappointment with the District’s latest offer.

The civic workers, which the union says number about 30, work as front-line services staff, finance and accounting professionals, RCMP clerks, utility and equipment operators, parks workers, planning technicians, mechanics and other tradespeople.