BC Place workers vote in favour of strike

BC Lions football fans may have to cross a picket line at the next game after a group of more than 300 maintenance and security workers at BC Place Stadium voted in favour of a strike.

Eighty-nine per cent of members of B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union local 1703 supported a strike mandate. Results were announced Monday morning.

The union now has 90 days to serve 72-hour strike notice. Several major events, including the Grey Cup, are planned for that period at the newly renovated stadium.

The BCGEU said the strike vote has nothing to do with the problems that plagued Friday night's grand reopening, including long lines for drinks and not enough staff working at the concession stands.

The strike vote, which took place last week, was organized after talks between the union and the BC Pavilion Corporation (PAVCO) broke off in September, said BCGEU President Darryl Walker.

Walker said workers hope to avoid a strike if possible.

The union is now urging PAVCO to negotiate a collective agreement that focuses on job security.

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  BC Lions' cheerleaders line the field after the roof was opened at the renovated BC Place stadium before the BC Lions and Edmonton Eskimos CFL football game in Vancouver, B.C., on Friday September 30, 2011. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

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  The BC Lions and Edmonton Eskimos play with the roof open at the renovated BC Place stadium during the first half of a CFL football game in Vancouver, B.C., on Friday September 30, 2011. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck