LOWER MAINLAND METRO MUNICIPAL BARGAINING BULLETIN #4

[Jan 18, 2012 02:01 PM]

Bargaining in the Lower Mainland

As of January 1, 2012 all collective agreements in the Metro Vancouver region are now open for collective bargaining. Locals throughout the Lower Mainland and the Fraser Valley are now preparing for the upcoming round of negotiations. This round your bargaining committee is dedicated to achieving positive gains through a coordinated effort.

One of the common priorities that locals throughout the region will be focusing on is improving seniority rights, including in some cases those of auxiliary, temporary, and casual employees.

What did other regions in B.C. achieve in 2011?

Southern Vancouver Island

11 municipal bargaining units settled in 2011. Each unit negotiated a three-year agreement with wage increases each year, as well as improvements to benefits.

Central Vancouver Island

CUPE 556, City of Courtenay and Comox Valley Regional District, recently achieved four-year settlements with no concessions and wage increases in each year.

Fraser Valley

CUPE 458 renegotiated four Collective Agreements in 2011, which included the City of Chilliwack, the District of Kent, the Village of Harrison Hot Springs and Cultus Lake Parks Board. Each year of these agreements includes wage increases with no concessions, as well as benefit and premium improvements.

Northern B.C.

CUPE 105, City of Prince Rupert, negotiated a three-year agreement with wage increases in each year that exceed the cost of living index in British Columbia, as well as premium improvements.

Central B.C. - Okanagan

CUPE 700, City of Kamloops, achieved a three-year agreement with wage increases in each of the three years, as well as improvements to benefits.

If you have any questions about bargaining please contact your local union office.