Kitimat, B.C. – With the strike at the District of Kitimat entering its third week, local businesses continue to feel the pinch.

Kitimat Chamber of Commerce chair Derick Stinson says it’s already cost the town a minor hockey tournament, which he notes is “obviously going to affect hotels, restaurants and shopping.”

He says it’s also hurting businesses in the local mall because that’s where the District’s municipal offices are located and people in the union town are reluctant to cross a picket line.

“To the people off work and not receiving a wage, people choose not to cross a picket line for sure.”

The main sticking points in the dispute have been money and morale in the workplace (see previous story here) but because both sides have stopped talking to the media, he says it’s anyone’s guess as to how close they are to reaching a deal.

“I haven’t heard anything the past half week or so so maybe I’ll take that as good news.”