09) NANAIMO GOLF CLUB LOCKOUT UPDATE

 

By Alan Boyden

 

            On October 30, a rally took place to bolster support for the union workers locked out since April 24 at the Nanaimo Golf Club. Members of several unions and concerned citizens, including the Nanaimo Club CPC, joined the workers to show solidarity. Others came from Victoria, Vancouver and Courtenay, to demonstrate to patrons attending the Golf Club’s Gala Banquet that the workers are firm in their resolve to achieve a fair wage and fair working conditions.

 

            The Club management led by Ash Chadha still refuses to come to the bargaining table.  Preliminary steps to lay groundwork for a meeting, drawn up by the Club’s lawyer and union representatives, were sabotaged by management who leaked false information. Then, under the pretext of being generous and accommodating, they put forward a similar offer to the one rejected by the workers last May, showing that management is not prepared to negotiate in good faith.

 

            However, the morale of the locked out workers is remarkably high. They cheerfully smile and wave to vehicles on the highway who honk and shout support. During the rally, some folks intending to have dinner at the Golf Club paused and then drove away. The parking area was conspicuously empty. Two citizens supporting the workers strolled over to the club banquet hall and see how the “gala evening” was going. They noticed that less than a third of the set tables were occupied.

 

            A moral victory has been achieved by the courageous Local 40 workers. Thanks to their constant vigil, the word is getting out: “the Nanaimo Golf Club is not the place to eat!” This will remain until the restaurant, culinary support team and bartenders receive a fair deal. It is time for Mr. Chadha to resign and let a more competent and fair-minded successor take over.

 

            The workers on the picket line appreciate the support and encouragement received from readers of People’s Voice. Their struggle is our struggle; in solidarity, united we stand.  

 

(The above article is from the November 16-30, 2015, issue of People's Voice, Canada's leading socialist newspaper. Articles can be reprinted free if the source is credited. Subscription rates in Canada: $30/year, or $15 low income rate; for U.S. readers - $45 US per year; other overseas readers - $45 US or $50 CDN per year. Send to People's Voice, c/o PV Business Manager, 706 Clark Drive, Vancouver, BC, V5L 3J1.)