The United Steelworkers Local 1-405 reached a tentative 3-year agreement with Kimberley Alpine Resort and the parent company, Resorts of the Canadian Rockies, following seven days of negotiations from September up until reaching a tentative deal December 1, 2016.
“This was a pretty smooth set of negotiations,” said Jeff Bromley, lead negotiator for the unionized employees of Kimberley Alpine Resort. “Our members had some specific needs that they outlined prior to bargaining and the employer came to the table with the willingness to try and address those needs.”
“It was a breath of fresh air considering the recent bargaining issues in Kimberley,” Bromley said, referring to the recent contentious rounds of bargaining with the City of Kimberley and KSCU, the latter being a 28-day dispute that was recently settled.
“Bargaining isn’t going produce everything either side wants but this goes to show what can happen when two sides work together to come to an agreement. We are recommending acceptance and are hopeful that our members will ratify the agreement.”
Details of the agreement wont be released until after ratification votes on December 14. Kimberley Alpine Resort is scheduled to open for the season of skiing December 10.
News from the other bargaining table going on is also positive as negotiations with Trickle Creek Lodge and it’s 22 members have been going on along the same timeline as the Ski Hill. Trickle Creek Lodge is also owned by Resorts of the Canadian Rockies. “Negotiations are going well and we hope to have something to announce soon,” said Bromley. “The employer came to the table with no concessions for both worksites. It’s been a welcome change.”