The union representing Sechelt municipal employees has applied to the Labour Relations Board for mediation to try to work out a renewed collective bargaining agreement with the District of Sechelt.

“We are hoping mediation will help both sides reach an agreement,” said B.C. Government and Service Employees’ Union (BCGEU) president Darryl Walker in a press release. “Our members provide important services for the people of Sechelt and we want to reach an agreement and move forward.”

The union’s contract with the District expired Dec. 31, 2009. Both sides rejected an earlier tentative agreement.

The union, which represents 36 Sechelt employees who work at municipal hall and provide support services, said that money is the key issue. The union is looking for “the same 3.25 per cent increase District councillors voted themselves,” the union statement said.

Earlier this month, union employees voted 97 per cent in favour of strike action, if necessary, to back their demands. Strike notice has not been served to the District.

“Our members prefer not to go on strike, but we are prepared to take steps to get this agreement settled,” Walker said.

District chief administrative officer Rob Bremner said the District will proceed with mediation and “see what happens.”

“They’ve applied for mediation, so we’ll sit down with the mediator,” he said. “Obviously it’s better for the District than a strike.”