Stadium strike averted as BC Place workers reach deal

Unionized workers at BC Place have reached a tentative deal with their employer, meaning the upcoming Grey Cup will not be hampered by picket lines.

An agreement between the BC Pavilion Corporation (PavCo) and the B.C. Government and Service Employees Union was reached late last night, according to a union spokesperson.

The deal means there will be no disruption at the BC Lions versus Edmonton Eskimos game this Saturday at BC Place.

The union is pushing its members to accept the tentative agreement. A ratification vote on the deal will be held this weekend. The union represents more than 600 employees.

The Grey Cup game is set for Nov. 27.

BC Place Stadium recently reopened after major renovations that included the installation of a retractable roof.

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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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  Portland Timbers' Mike Chabala, left, takes a free kick against the Vancouver Whitecaps during the first half of an MLS soccer game in the renovated BC Place stadium in Vancouver, B.C., on Sunday October 2, 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