Yesterday, DGC Members in British Columbia took a bold, historic step, voting to give their negotiating team an overwhelming mandate to strike. Since then, I’ve received an outpouring of support for this action from DGC Members and DGC leaders across the country. 

Our BC membership has spoken with a clear voice for themselves, and for those members and permittees in our lowest paid and most vulnerable positions. I cannot express how proud I am to hold shoulder-to-shoulder beside them, now, for respect, fairness and safety. 

DGC BC has bargained in good faith with the AMPTP and CMPA for a full year. Despite our efforts, the employer’s bargaining team rejected a settlement recommended by the provincial labour board’s mediator and, instead of reaching an agreement, the AMPTP and CMPA demanded further clawbacks.

The Guild in BC has now been without a new collective agreement for over 12 months. The time has come to be heard and our BC members have spoken. From coast-to-coast-to-coast, the DGC is united behind them. 

Warren P. Sonoda
DGC National President