No end in sight to months-long strike at Kamloops’ Hudson’s Bay

It's been four months since employees at the Hudson's Bay store hit the picket line and it doesn't look like the strike will end anytime soon.

Union representative Jordan Lawrence said it's been months since the last meeting with the employer, but the workers have no plans to give in.

"From what I see in our members, I don't think they're losing their resolve," Lawrence told iNFOnews.ca today, April 3.

Hudson's Bay employees in Kamloops have been members of United Steel Workers local 1-417 since 1993.

Their first and only other labour dispute at the department store lasted nine months until they signed the first collective agreement.

The strike started in early December when Hudson's Bay offered an annual 1% raise. It wasn't enough for the Kamloops workers. The doors have been closed since.

"I don't see a time where we would have to stop," Lawrence said.

While the employees have no intention of stepping down, the two parties are at a stalemate.

Hudson's Bay told the union they "could strike forever" and the 1% offer won't change, Lawrence said.

It's been months since the union and Hudson's Bay have been at the bargaining table.

A worker on the picket line said they’ve been able to sustain themselves with strike pay. While some have left, those that keep coming will get strike pay, including those who have found another job.
They each typically spend 15 to 20 hours on the picket line per week.

Aside from the strike action at Aberdeen mall, Lawrence said the union has tried other approaches, like urging Vernon and Kelowna store employees to put pressure on the company. He said there has been some success there, but not enough to move the company,

The union may try other pressure tactics, but Lawrence wouldn't get into details.

A Hudson's Bay spokesperson was not immediately able to respond to a request for comment.

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