On Thursday, February 25, the LDB advised all employees at the Vancouver Distribution Centre (VDC) of both their long-term plans for replacing the Vancouver warehouse and plans for a short-term solution in the meantime.

Prior to the announcement, the BCGEU and the LDB held discussions about how these changes would affect current warehouse employees. The LDB has assured us that any secondary warehouse in Greater Vancouver would be staffed with existing BCGEU members and that the opportunity to work in this new location would be on a voluntary basis and in consideration of seniority rights.

The BCGEU is in agreement with the LDB that there must be a short-term and long-term solution to alleviate our overcrowded warehouse. We will continue to meet with the LDB during this process to ensure that your rights are protected and that the work of the LDB continues to be performed by bargaining unit employees.

We will provide further information as it becomes available. In the meantime, if you have any questions or concerns, we encourage you to bring those to the attention of your stewards, local chair (Mark Guolo) and/or staff representative.

In solidarity,

Kimberlee MacGregor
Vice President, Retail Stores & Warehouse