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Seventy-seven appliance repair technicians in metro Vancouver, British Columbia, have been locked out of work since October 1. Their employer, Sears Canada, has 3,800 retail stores and more than $50 billion in annual revenue in its North American operations.

More than three months after the initial lockout, the company refuses to allow the technicians to return to work without adhering to certain conditions. Their terms rule out wage increases for the next four years and eliminate some overtime premiums and paid holidays. The new terms, which technicians are challenging, would also let Sears schedule workweeks without two consecutive days off.

The locked-out workers are members of IBEW Local 213. They’re asking consumers in North America to refrain from shopping at Sears stores or using Sears’ services until the company ends the lockout and participates in fair negotiations.

Help support the IBEW Local 213 by refusing to buy at Sears, and send complaints to Sears Canada headquarters: Sears Canada Inc. c/o President’s Office, 500 College Street East Belleville, Ontario K8N 5L3. The British Columbia Labor Federation raised $20,000 Cdn to support the Sears workers during the holiday season. Send support, monetary or otherwise, to Local 213, 4220 Norland Avenue, Burnaby, BC V5G 3X2.

Expiration Date:
Fri, 02/29/2008 - 10:59pm