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Golf club lockout wasn’t a victory for workers’ union

Your article gives the reader the impression that an actual victory was achieved by the union for the workers they represent.

To the Editor,

Re: Union claims victory following Nanaimo Golf Club lockout, May 3.

Your article gives the reader the impression that an actual victory was achieved by the union for the workers they represent. This article failed to disclose the actual financial damage done to the workers and their families.

In 2015 NGC offered the union a three-year contract and the union countered with 72-hour strike notice. NGC cannot operate under a 72-hour strike notice. NGC is a service industry. A wedding planned six months in advance cannot be cancelled with 72 hours’ notice.

The difference between the NGC’s original offer and the arbitrator is a total of $520 over three years.While on strike, workers lost wages of at least $35,000 annually, plus many workers lost tips.

How is this a win using anyone’s math?

All workers are valued by the members of the NGC family and in the long run they were fed a line from the union that I am sure caused pain and suffering for themselves and their families. NGC never wanted to lock out their workers.

I hope the next union members that vote to go out on strike use their calculators beforehand.

Bruce ThompsonNanaimo Golf Club member