BCGEU reaches an agreement in principle to protect Liquor Distribution Branch sell off

“We think the government’s decision to sell off the LDB warehouses is dead wrong. Still, we’re pleased we were able to win protection for our members,” said BCGEU President Darryl Walker.

Vancouver (19 March 2012) - The B.C. Government and Service Employees Union (BCGEU/NUPGE) bargaining committee for the master agreement has reached an agreement in principle (AIP) provides employment security for roughly 500 BCGEU/NUPGE members affected by the government’s plan to sell LDB warehouses and distribution systems in Vancouver and Kamloops.

The AIP still has to be approved by B.C. Government. Once passed, it will come into force and effect on April 1, 2012.

“We think the government’s decision to sell off the LDB warehouses is dead wrong. Still, we’re pleased we were able to win protection for our members,” said BCGEU President Darryl Walker.

Details of the AIP will be communicated to members in the coming days.

Additionally, during the week, the committee reached agreement on language changes to the misuse of managerial and supervisory authority provision. These changes, in addition to improvements in anti-bullying language, will provide increased protections for members dealing with workplace problems.

The BCGEU/NUPGE has been negotiating to renew the master agreement with the B.C. Government since January. Bargaining dates have been set through to the end of March. Between now and then, we will begin discussions on our monetary package, which we anticipate will be challenging.

BCGEU/NUPGE members are seeking a fair and reasonable agreement. The union has identified wage increases, job security and improved benefits as priorities.

NUPGE

The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE