Exclusive: Stadium sinks staff sea cruise - mutiny to follow?

B.C. Place Stadium has a retractable roof. And an operations budget under apparent restraint. 

General Manager

Just three days after the first anniversary of its reopening from renovation and the day before a scheduled staff appreciation boat cruise, general manager Howard Crosley sank the scheduled excursion. Tickets for staff were $10 each and guests $35. 

On the morning of Oct. 3, staff received the following memo. While many of the workers had reason to talk like a pirate ("arrr"), others took a more humorous strategy. The theme songs to the Love Boat and Gilligan's Island were heard on the in-house walkie-talkie system during the Oct. 3 Vancouver Whitecaps 4-0 win over Chivas U.S.A. 

I'm still waiting for spokesman Duncan Blomfield to respond with comment. B.C. Pavilion Corporation is now under the presidency of Dana Hayden, the former Jobs, Tourism and Innovation deputy minister. Cabinet responsibility was recently shuffled to Rich Coleman, whose portfolio includes energy, mines, natural gas, gambling, liquor and housing. 

This could have been the first salvo fired in what could be a fall of labour strife. Stadium workers, represented by the B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union, are negotiating a new deal. In 2011, they reached an agreement with management and avoided a strike that could have jeopardized the Grey Cup.

Will it be smooth sailing in 2012 or is a course being charted for choppy waters?

To All Staff: 

I know many of you were looking forward to the Staff Appreciation Boat Cruise scheduled for tomorrow, Thursday, October 4th. The response has been very positive; however, due to fiscal constraints and budgetary considerations, unfortunately, it is necessary to cancel the event. We will look at another staff appreciation function to be held at BC Place in the near future. 

We truly appreciate your dedication and apologize for the inconvenience. 

Captain

Skipper

How do you get your ticket refund? 

• Wed Oct 3, before 1600, Admin Office, see Irene. From 1600 to 1730, before your game shift, outside Level 1 Break Room.
• Oct 4 and 5, 0900 to 1700, Admin Office, see Irene
• Sat Oct 6, 1600 to 1730, before your game shift, outside Level 1 Break Room
• Oct 9 onward, 0900 to 1700, Admin Office, see Irene 

Howard Crosley
General Manager