The BC Federation of Labour today called on the public to boycott OpenRoad Auto Group Limited, DBA Mercedes-Benz Surrey in support of striking service technicians seeking their first contract.
The service technicians’ union, Local 400 of ILWU Canada, launched limited job action on June 17 following a unanimous strike vote. “After the employer failed to return to the bargaining table, the workers are prepared to do what is necessary to engage in negotiations and get a fair contract,” said Local 400 President Jason Woods.
The union has been attempting to secure their first contract for over one year. The main issues on the table include a tiered wage structure and acceptable pay rates.
“The BCFED does not take boycotts lightly. These workers have chosen to form a union and bargain collectively,” said Laird Cronk, President of the BC Federation of Labour. “And we call on the employer to respect their legal right to do so, and work with the union to achieve a fair negotiated settlement.”
The BCFED asks the public and the over 500,000 members of its affiliated unions to respect the picket lines at OpenRoad Auto Group Limited, DBA Mercedes-Benz Surrey and not to do business with the location.