CUPE Local 608 bargaining unit at the Centre at Naramata voted to reject the centre’s proposal for a new collective agreement.

The employees rejected the proposal by over 80 percent, according to Tom O’Leary, CUPE National representative.

“I’m frustrated the employer made us vote,” he said. “But I’m pleased that the employees rejected the offer. Starting Thursday, we are on strike and will be picketing outside.”

O’Leary said by his count, approximately 40 employees are impacted and that roughly 37 voted, with the employer challenging the ability of four to be counted because they were casual employees.

The centre issued this statement on the matter: “The Centre has proposed extending, for two years, all of the provisions of the previous agreement, including wages and benefits, plus agreeing to limit further contracting out beyond its food services and grounds maintenance.”

The centre has been addressing pressing financial issues for some time and has been considering four options for its future. Two options include contracting out some or all of its operations, and two include closure — one permanently and one for an extended time.