Course- Labour Relations Canda (According to BC Labour Code)

Case Incident- Hi-Tech Printing & Signs

Hi-Tech Printing and Signs produces a wide variety of printing and signage products for commercial and individual customers. The company employs 85 staff, of which 52 are members of Unifor. The collective agreement between the employer and the union expired on August 31, 2019. A prolonged series of negotiations led to a breakdown in talks. A strike vote showed a favourable response from 77 percent of the membership. A ministry-appointed conciliation officer was unsuccessful in resolving key issues of disagreement between Hi-Techs management negotiating team and Unifor Local 271. Notice of a strike to start at 12:01 AM, December 2, 2019, was delivered to the Ministry of Labour office as well as to the employer. No bargaining sessions occurred and strike action commenced on the scheduled date. Hi-Techs production facilities were located with eight other separate businesses in a busy commercial office complex. Two separate driveways on adjoining streets provided access to the commercial buildings. On the morning of December 2, Unifor picket lines were set up at both street entrance ways, blocking or delaying vehicles from entering and exiting the Hi-Tech and neighbouring businesses. Ross Malone, general manager at Hi-Tech, started receiving a steady stream of complaints from fellow business owners and Hi-Tech clients about long delays in accessing the premises due to picketing employees. The vice-principal at an elementary school just down the street also called to voice safety concerns about the unusually high volume of slow-moving traffic that was causing problems for school buses and parents dropping off and picking up children in the mornings and afternoons.

Questions

1. What immediate actions can Mr. Malone take in this situation?

2. What solution might be arranged between the business agent for Unifor Local 271 and Hi-Tech officials in light of the picketing?

3. Imagine that Unifor invites union members from neighbouring union locals to show support for striking Hi-Tech workers by joining their picket lines. What specific action should Hi-Tech consider?