(Burnaby) The BC Federation of Labour today called on the public to boycott Armstrong Regional Cooperative’s (ARC’s) businesses in support of striking SEIU Local 2 Branch 300 members at ARC Liquor’s Guisachan Village store in Kelowna.
The workers, who have been striking since September 14th, are seeking wage increases that keep pace with inflation and allow them to afford to keep living in Kelowna.
“Co-ops are supposed to reflect basic values of community and cooperation,” said Julia Scott, a worker on the picket line. “The cost of living keeps going up, but the Co-op refuses to offer concrete wage increases we can count on to continue living and working in this community. Their model for raises completely lacks transparency."
“We’re asking British Columbians to support these workers with the one tool this employer seems to understand: their money,” said BCFED President Sussanne Skidmore.
“By refusing to shop at ARC’s gas stations, liquor stores and retail locations, we can send ARC a clear message. We can tell them to come back to the bargaining table with a real offer that respects the employees who make their businesses possible.”
The BCFED asks the public and the over 500,000 members of its affiliated unions to respect the picket line at ARC Liquor Guisachan Village, and to refuse to patronize ARC’s other businesses.