Unionized employees of the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen have voted to go on strike.
The Regional District stated in a press release issued Monday that they have treated their employees fairly over the term of the past two collective agreements and have offered a fair settlement and certainty for the next four years.
The union has proposed a 6.2 per cent increase in 2012 and a further 3.18 per cent increase in 2013.
Over the past six years they have received increases of 4.25 per cent, 3.5 per cent, 3.5 per cent, 2.5 per cent, 1.5 per cent and 1.5 per cent.
The Regional District would also clarify a statement made by our employees that the Board of the Regional District gave themselves a raise. The Board of the Regional District has received no increased compensation since 2006.
A Provincial mediator has been assigned to help resolve the differences between the RDOS and their unionized employees.
The board of the Regional District believes RDOS has outstanding employees and we appreciate their dedication, but we’re disappointed that they believe a 6.2 per cent increase in 2012 is something the citizens of the RDOS would support. We hope an agreement can be reached amicably and that we can continue working together to provide excellent service to our citizens.