Campbell River Storm Hockey Parents Call the SRD and USW 1-1937 To Resolve Labour Dispute

The Campbell River Storm parent group is pleading with the Strathcona Regional District (SRD) and the United Steelworkers (USW) 1-1937 to reach an agreement, for the benefit of the local hockey community, and recreation community at large.

The Campbell River Storm parent group is pleading with the Strathcona Regional District (SRD) and the United Steelworkers (USW) 1-1937 to reach an agreement, for the benefit of the local hockey community, and recreation community at large.

In their press release, and open letter to David Leitch the Chief Administrative Officer of the SRD, and Shelley Siemens, the Business Agent of USW 1-1937, the parents state;

"we write this letter as an extremely concerned and frustrated community of campbell river storm parents. we implore the Strathcona Regional District and United Steelworkers Local 1-1937 to immediately return to the bargaining table to prevent further damage to the community, of which our sons are a part. "

They say the resiliency their children have had in the face of three seasons without a home rink has been immense, including doing everything possible to maintain physical fitness, and keep their skills up as many junior hockey players dream of going to post secondary through hockey.

The letter reads “Team memories lost, scouting opportunities missed, talent identification camps postponed, and championships cancelled.”.

They state the pandemic alone has been a huge roadblock, as well as the extreme weather events, and that the labour dispute has added to those impacts. 

“Kids are paying the price for adult problems and this obstacle is having serious effect on their mental and physical wellness.  It is holding them hostage and they are the collateral damage."

They emphasize the unseen financial impact of these constant uncertainties with scheduling, “The players have lost, and continue to lose, allocated ice times, have had games cancelled, and are incurring additional expenses for gas, and additional wear and tear on vehicles with so much extra travel. Their ability to work is seriously hampered by having unpredictable schedules, and some have had to forego their planned supplementary employment."

The players want to stick together as a team in the face of these adversities, despite being offered a chance to split up and join other hockey teams.

The letter finished with a powerful sentiments “As adults, it is our responsibility to model healthy and responsible conflict resolution, recognizing and considering the impacts to everyone in our community."

The Campbell River Storm parents group is calling the Strathcona Regional District and the United Steelworkers Union back to the bargaining table for the benefit of all citizens.