Greater Trail area International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) locked out in a dispute with FortisBC since June, will receive a little bit of warmth and support from their unionized brothers and sisters this weekend with a rally today and movie matinee, barbecue lunch, and a visit with Santa on Sunday.
Saturday, a rally sponsored by the B.C. Federation of Labour (BC Fed) will be held outside the FortisBC offices in downtown Trail starting at 1 p.m. where, provincial labour leader, Jim Sinclair, president of the BC Fed, is scheduled to make an appearance in support of the locked out workers.
“It’s a chance for people in the community to show their support,” Sinclair said.
“These are the people who keep the lights and the heat on. This company is doing well financially and they’ve chosen to lock their employees out. This is a lockout. It was the company’s choice.”
Sinclair said the workers have been out a long time and stressed the important role they can play in the community.
“They’ve been out there a long time. They risk their lives to go out in a snowstorm to get your power turned back on,” he said.
“The consumers don’t begrudge the profits the company makes but I don’t think they appreciate the way they are treating their employees.”
Sunday the West Kootenay Labour Council is sponsoring a day-long affair in support of the locked out employees with a 10 a.m. matinee of “Arthur Christmas,” including a snack and a drink for each family member, a free lunch at the USW Local 480 hall, activities, and Santa on hand to present each child with a gift.