Members of the BC General Employees Union, along with representatives from CUPE picketed outside the Nanaimo Harbourfront VIRL branch on Friday, March 11 as part of escalating job action. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

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Mar 11, 2022 | 9:03 AM

NANAIMO — Picket lines are up at the Harbourfront branch of the Vancouver Island Regional Library.

It’s the latest step in escalating job action from members of the BC General Employees Union who represent librarians at VIRL.

A statement from the BCGEU said an offer made by union negotiators to the employer on March 3 was not responded to.

“It’s been over a week since we heard from the employer – that’s not acceptable. We want to return to negotiations and to work, serving our communities,” Stephanie Smith, president of the BCGEU said.

The two sides have been without an agreement since December 2020.

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Picket lines will be set up around the Harbourfront branch on Commercial St. until 5 p.m. on Friday, March 11.

While BCGEU members only make up 12 per cent of VIRL staff, their picket lines will be respected by CUPE members who account for 55 per cent of workers across VIRL branches.

“We’ve received a response from the VIRL Board, which we’re grateful for, but unfortunately it hasn’t resulted in a response from the employer,” Smith added. “Until we do receive a fair offer to take back to members, the union is making plans on a day-by-day basis.”

The first of rotating picket lines took place in Duncan on Wednesday, March 9. The union issued 72-hour strike notice on March 1 in a bid to expedite negotiations.

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