This is an archive of news stories and research from the National Union of Public and General Employees. Please see our new site - https://nupge.ca - for the most current information.
'Both sides worked together to make the work site a better place for the staff and clients.' - BCGEU president Darryl Walker.
Vancouver (8 Oct. 2009) - Members of the B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union (BCGEU/NUPGE) who work at the Salvation Army Harbour Light in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside have voted 90% in favour of a new contract.
The settlement, retroactive to April 1 this year and effective until Oct. 31 next year, includes a 3% wage increase and a $250 signing bonus for full-time employees (pro-rated for part-time employees).
"This was a healthy set of negotiations that produced a good contract for Harbour Light workers," says BCGEU President Darryl Walker. "Both sides worked together to make the work site a better place for the staff and clients."
In addition to the wage increase, the workers get new language on casual and fixed-term employees and on health and safety measures. A new casual call-in procedure and new overtime scheduling have also been negotiated and agreed upon.
The Salvation Army Harbour Light employs approximately 110 people who work as cooks, kitchen staff, janitors, shelter workers, security staff, counselors and intake workers. They provide food, shelter and counseling services to Downtown Eastside residents.
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