KELOWNA, B.C. – Unionized jail guards at the RCMP detachment in Kelowna, B.C., have given strike notice that puts them in a legal position to walk off the job by Thursday afternoon.

The 17 jail guards are employees of Commissionaires B.C. and members of Local 338 of the Canadian Union of Public Employees.

The union says it is trying to negotiate a first collective agreement on the behalf of the guards.

Lead union negotiator Harry Nott says the two sides are close to an agreement and wages is the key issue that remains unresolved.

“Recruitment and retention issues need to be addressed, and a fair wage is a significant piece of resolving this key issue,” he said.

Julie Powers, the Commissionaires’ vice-president of operations, says in a statement the union has rejected three offers that included wage increases.

“It’s unfortunate the union has chosen this course of action,” she said.

“We continue to strongly believe that strike action is not in the best interest of any party involved in this matter: our employees, the union, our client, or Commissionaires B.C.”

The jail guards voted to join CUPE earlier this year and the union says talks on a first collective agreement started in late spring.

The union says jail guards are responsible for overseeing prisoners, assisting with prisoner and cell searches, organizing meals, finger printing, and dispensing prescription medications.