With no settlement in sight, Gwaii Haanas employees put down the picket signs Friday and picked up rakes and brooms.
"We want to be productive," said Anna Gajda, a Gwaii Haanas backcountry coordinator. The group of parks employees were at the Queen Charlotte community hall doing a volunteer clean-up on Friday. Ms. Gajda was sweeping the sidewalk, and others were raking the playground, weeding, and picking up trash - all of them sporting t-shirts with slogans about fair wages.
"We want to send the message that we want to be at work - but we don't feel like we've been offered a fair wage yet." Meanwhile, she said, they appreciate the opportunity to funnel their energy toward something positive for the community.
When will the strike end? "Your guess is as good as mine," said Barb Wilson.
Meanwhile, Gwaii Haanas is open and orientation sessions are available in both Queen Charlotte and Sandspit. See the info centres for times.