"The Cranbrook vote is proof that a growing number of Wal-Mart Canada workers aren't scared by Wal-Mart's bully tactics."

BURNABY –  The B.C. Labour Relations Board (BCLRB) has certified the workers at the Wal-Mart Tire & Lube Express (TLE) in Cranbrook, British Columbia after a majority of the workers there voted to unionize with United Food and Commercial Workers Canada.

The Cranbrook workers are the latest Wal-Mart workers to become members of UFCW Canada following recent victories at three Wal-Mart locations in Québec.

Majority support

The Cranbrook Wal-Mart was certified after a majority of the shop's employees voted to unionize. B.C. labour laws allow the Board to certify a workplace if a majority of the employees within a defined workplace vote to unionize.

UFCW Canada's national director Michael J. Fraser sees the tide turning against Wal-Mart's union busting tactics. 

"Wal-Mart says that, given a chance to vote, their employees always reject the union. Those days are over," says Fraser.

"Along with the Wal-Mart units in Québec, the Cranbrook vote is proof that a growing number of Wal-Mart Canada workers aren't scared by Wal-Mart's bully tactics," says Fraser. "They realize nothing will change at Wal-Mart unless they have a union and a fair collective agreement."

More certificates to come

UFCW Canada points out that two additional B.C. Wal-Mart locations may soon join the Cranbrook and Quebec shops. 

Applications for certification of two Wal-Mart TLE's in Surrey are pending a decision of the BCLRB. Wal-Mart is challenging those applications but UFCW Canada is confident the applications will succeed. NUPGE

For more information:

• Justice@Wal-Mart

Web posted by NUPGE: 19 September 2005

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