Arbitrator to mediate in Kelowna jail guards strike

KELOWNA – Binding arbitration will fend off possible job action tomorrow by jail guards at the Kelowna RCMP detachment.

Canadian Union of Public Employees spokesperson Harry Nott said in a press release the union had reached an agreement with Commissionaires B.C. to meet with mediator Mark J. Brown at a later date.

The deal averts possible job action by 17 Commissionaires who work as jail guards at the Kelowna RCMP detachment on Richter Street and Clement Avenue.

The press release says they provide services including overseeing prisoners, assisting with prisoner searches and cell searches, organizing meals, recording prisoner activity, finger printing, and dispensing approved prescription medications to persons in custody.

The guards are seeking their first union contract and have said low wages are the primary motivation for the job action.

Their first attempt December 12 to serve strike notice was struck down by the B.C. Labour Relations Board.

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