SURREY, B.C.–A credit union here is closing its only unionized branch, where its employees have been on a strike since January.
The $4-billion Westminster Savings sent an email to members announcing plans to shut down its Shaughnessy Station branch in Port Coquitlam, B.C. by the Fall.
“The futures of eight employees — mostly women nearing retirement age — are now uncertain as a result of the decision, which they say undermines the credit union’s people-first ethos,” the Star reported.
The union and credit union are in talks, which include the possibility that the employees could be hired at another branch, according to the Star.
“The email to Westminster Savings members cited the size, location and declining use of the Shaughnessy Station branch as reasons for the closure, while denying it had anything to do with its workforce’s unionized status or the fact that the employees are currently on strike,” the Star stated.
‘Timing is Difficult’
The publication said the email read, “If you are a regular visitor to or member of this branch, you are likely aware that the unionized employees at this branch have been out on strike since January 2019. While the timing is difficult, we have worked with the union for many years, and the fact that this location is unionized had nothing to do with the decision to close the branch.”
In response, MoveUP, the union representing the eight workers, told the Star it’s difficult to believe Westminster Savings’ decision was made without consideration for the union and strike, especially because Shaughnessy Station is the only one of 15 Westminster Savings branches that is currently unionized.
“I think the biggest thing is the corporate greed culture has hit the credit union business,” Donna Wylie, a 15-year employee at the branch told the Star.