The Rally for Workers' Rights at Alberni Golf Club
In a powerful display of solidarity, over 50 community supporters joined union workers from Alberni Golf Club in a rally held in Port Alberni. This gathering focused on protesting against recent mass layoffs and what the union members describe as retaliation by the management aimed at dismantling their union.
Personal Stories Behind the Protests
Among those affected is Ak Manhas, who has dedicated 38 years of service at the golf club. Following his layoff just last week, he expressed his feelings of betrayal, stating, "Getting laid off feels punitive and personal. The employer has not respected our collective bargaining agreement, and now, as we hold them accountable, we are met with retaliation. It's unjust!"
Prior to Manhas' layoff, the Service Employees International Union Local 2 had initiated grievances against the management for not complying with the wage increases and failing to acknowledge seniority rights.
Earlier this fall, six seasonal workers were laid off much earlier than usual, marking a worrying trend for the staff at Alberni Golf Club. These workers, having dedicated five to eight years of their lives to the club, were blindsided by the management's abrupt decision-making. The struggles intensified when three full-time permanent employees were let go on November 14, all emblematic of a disturbing pattern of retaliatory actions by the management.
The Human Impact of Layoffs
The ramifications of these layoffs have been deeply felt, particularly by employees like Carl Wagner. Working at the club for nearly 14 years, he shared the emotional toll during a conversation about his recent layoff. With his wife, Una, a breast cancer survivor now facing a serious lung condition, the importance of medical benefits became paramount. "Winning those benefits in our collective agreement was a huge relief, yet now that I'm laid off, our access to those benefits has been postponed," he lamented.
Una echoed her husband's sentiments: "The thought of access to medical benefits felt like a tremendous weight lifted off us, but it all came crumbling down before we could even utilize them. This dismissal is completely unfounded and unjustified, and it has left us in a precarious position."
Community Support and Solidarity
The anxiety and uncertainty posed by the golf club's management actions have ignited a resurgence of community support, reaffirming the workers’ determination to fight back. Among the supporters were notable figures, including former BC Minister of Labour, Harry Bains, and BC Federation of Labour Secretary-Treasurer, Hermender Singh Kailley, whose presence lent encouraging solidarity to the workers.
Hermender Singh's words resonated deeply with the assembled workers: "Seeing acts of egregious employer behavior is disheartening, yet the management's treatment of these hard-working individuals is inexcusable. Union membership is not merely a right but a freedom enshrined in the Canadian Charter. We must ensure that the rights of workers are not infringed upon."
The Path to Unionization
The union members have shown resilience through turbulent times. They joined SEIU Local 2 in the fall of 2024, and their journey to secure their first contract was a challenging one, culminating in a strike back in July 2025 that led to significant bargaining victories. Their tenacity exemplifies the strength found in collective action and the vital role of community backing.
As the workers at the Alberni Golf Club face these trying times, their unity and the support they have garnered from the community ignite hope for a better future. They understand the battle ahead is daunting, yet with collective resilience, they are determined to overcome these adversities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What event prompted the rally at Alberni Golf Club?
The rally was organized to protest mass layoffs and retaliatory actions by the management against unionized workers.
How long have the laid-off workers been employed at the club?
Many of the laid-off workers had been employed at the club for several years, with some working there for up to 14 years.
What is the significance of the collective bargaining agreement?
The collective bargaining agreement secures workers' rights, wages, and benefits, which management has reportedly failed to uphold.
Who showed support at the rally?
Community members and notable former leaders, like Harry Bains and Hermender Singh Kailley, attended the rally to show their solidarity with the workers.
What steps have workers taken to address their grievances?
The workers have filed grievances with their union and organized a strike to secure their first union contract in 2025.
