Labour Dispute Continues at Naramata Centre

Photo Credit: Panoramio; Chalmers Chapel at Naramata Centre

It has been six months since union workers at the Naramata Centre have been on strike and now the union has filed an application.

CUPE workers have filled an application to have the United Church and Naramata Centre recognized as a common employer. The application with the BC Labour Relations Board was made in an effort to bring the church to the bargaining table, according to the union.

“So far, the church has claimed that despite opening the centre as a designated church ministry and providing funding, it has no say in how the centre is run,” said CUPE in a statement. “The retreat is one of four education centres owned by the United Church of Canada.”

There are 30 unionized workers on strike at the Naramata Centre, they have been on the picket line since May after talks between the two sides broke down.

“Speculation continues that the United Church wants to get rid of its union workforce at Naramata so it can more easily sell off the lakefront property – valued conservatively last year at around $6 million,” said CUPE. “A 2013 report paid for by the church cites options including restructuring the centre’s mounting debt, refinancing or permanently closing and selling the centre. Most of the programming at the centre has been cancelled since May.”

The ongoing labour dispute has resulted in many events being cancelled at the Centre including concerts and private events.