FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Prince George, BC - The decision for the Regional District of Fraser Fort-George unionized staff to serve strike notice on October 15 may impact the City of Prince George’s ability to conduct its regular garbage removal schedule, as the Regional District controls all the landfill stations within city limits.
The Labour Relations Board (LRB) has designated the Foothills Landfill as an essential service, requiring it to remain open five days per week for eight hours per day. However, the potential presence of a picket line at the site could prevent the City from delivering residential garbage to the landfill during the strike. It puts the City’s staff members in a difficult position as legal picket lines are respected by all unions and staff are not expected to cross.
The City has applied to the LRB for a common site picketing order to explore options that would allow garbage to continue being dropped off at the landfill. The hearing on this matter began this afternoon (Friday, October 17) and is expected to continue tomorrow. A decision may not be reached before Monday, which is why the City is notifying residents in advance.
The City is treating this situation with urgency. The application for common site picketing could only proceed after the strike notice was served, resulting in the timing of the hearing.
Under the Labour Relations Code, the LRB may regulate picketing activities at locations where more than one employer operates. If the Foothills Landfill is determined to be a common site, the LRB may set conditions to ensure the Regional District’s picketing does not disrupt the City’s solid waste operations.
Residents should be aware that a temporary disruption or pause in residential garbage collection is possible. Schedule changes may also be required.
The City will continue to provide updates to residents as soon as new information becomes available.
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Media contact:
Kendall Robertson, senior communications advisor
Mobile: 778-349-5393
Email: media@princegeorge.ca