Community Living B.C. members ratify new concession-free contract

"We are pleased to see our CLBC members approve this deal, which is fair and reasonable by every measure, and was achieved without making concessions to the contract,” said BCGEU President Darryl Walker.

Vancouver (28 Nov. 2012) - A tentative two-year agreement has been ratified for over 400 members of the B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union (BCGEU/NUPGE) directly employed by Community Living B.C. Members voted by a significant majority in favour of the two-year deal, which provides for a two per cent wage increase in each of the two years.

“This has been a challenging round of negotiations given the government’s restrictive bargaining mandate. We are pleased to see our CLBC members approve this deal, which is fair and reasonable by every measure, and was achieved without making concessions to the contract,” said BCGEU President Darryl Walker.

The new agreement replicates the improvements in benefits and business expenses contained in the public service collective agreement. It also renews important employment security protection for another two years.

“We believe the high ratification vote reflects a confidence on the part of staff that CLBC will work diligently with our union to address concerns around workload, staff stress levels, training and service requirements,” says CLBC bargaining committee Chair Charles Partridge.

The employer has agreed to establish a fund of $100,000 for the purpose of allowing CLBC eligible individuals to have enhanced access to educational support. A joint union/management committee is being established to determine the terms of reference for this fund.

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