A strike appears to have brought about a quick deal for workers at a Pitt Meadows golf course.
The employees who maintain the greens and fairways at Meadow Gardens Golf Club went on strike on Thursday, July 11, and set up their picket line at the access road to the Pitt Meadows facility.
The popular course near the junction of Golden Ears Way and Lougheed Highway has some high-profile events scheduled, and just before 4 p.m. the same day, a deal had been struck.
The union, Service Employees International Local 2, launched job action as a prestigious local tournament, the 2024 Meadow Gardens Open presented by Lordco Auto Parts, was coming up this weekend. That event offers over $100,000 in cash and prizes and is believed to be the largest amateur championship in B.C., with 48 pro players, 160 amateurs, and a new pickup as a hole-in-one prize.
The course is also to be the setting for the upcoming BC Summer Games golf, from July 17 to 21.
The union members unanimously approved strike action last weekend, but union spokesperson Steve Fanning said management made significant moves to get a tentative deal. He cautioned that the membership must still vote on the deal, but the mood on the picket line was positive.
Issues included wages, and contract language that would offer equal pay for workers doing similar jobs, as opposed to a merit-based system the union said invited favouritism by management.
“We are simply asking for a livable salary and recognition of our hard work,” said Mike Riberdy, a grounds crew worker, as the strike began. “We want to continue working here and contributing to the success of this place we care so much about. Management can solve this problem easily by showing they value and support us.”
It appears they solved the problem, with a significant pay increase in the first year of the deal, and smaller increases in two more years.
“The membership is happy – they fought very hard for this,” said Fanning.
He noted the union took down the picket line on Thursday afternoon, as a show of good faith.
 "BCCI want Test specialists to play domestic cricket; Rohit, Virat, Bumrah to be exceptions")
