Hi All,
Attached and below is a copy of the Two minute statement Michael made in Legislature about the situation at Extra Foods.
2009 Legislative Session: First Session, 39th Parliament
HOUSE BLUES
This is a DRAFT TRANSCRIPT ONLY of debate in one sitting of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia. This transcript is subject to corrections, and will be replaced by the final, official Hansard report. Use of this transcript, other than in the legislative precinct, is not protected by parliamentary privilege, and public attribution of any of the debate as transcribed here could entail legal liability.
DEBATES OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY
(HANSARD)
HOUSE BLUES
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2009
Afternoon Sitting
LABOUR DISPUTE AT EXTRA FOODS
M. Sather: There’s some light at the end of the tunnel for a long, ongoing labour management dispute in my community of Maple Ridge–Pitt Meadows. The workers at the Extra Foods store located in downtown Maple Ridge have been on strike for over nine months now, manning the picket lines rain or shine and, if anyone remembers our last winter, snow. [DRAFT TRANSCRIPT ONLY]
I talk to the workers regularly, and I can tell you they are a determined lot, something one can understand considering that they have been without a contract since 2004. Though this dispute is between management and the workers, the seniors of Maple Ridge have been greatly affected. The store is located close to a number of seniors homes, and these seniors were able to walk to Extra Foods to do their shopping. Many of these seniors are unable to drive, and this location allowed them to get their groceries independently and conveniently. [DRAFT TRANSCRIPT ONLY]
Having Extra Foods nearby with reasonable prices has become even more important recently. Due to discontinuation of the seniors outreach program, it is more difficult for many of our seniors to get assistance for shopping as well as to obtain their medications and attend medical appointments. [DRAFT TRANSCRIPT ONLY]
The workers did not want this dispute and had requested mediation months ago, but the company refused, and the work stoppage has dragged on and on. Thankfully, I hear that the company has come back to the bargaining table, agreeing to mediation. Hopefully this means the store will be open soon, employing people and filling its invaluable role in our community. [DRAFT TRANSCRIPT ONLY
