Bargaining

Locked out CUPE worker hit by manager’s car

RICHMOND – Locked out CUPE 4964 greenskeeper Mike Chysyk decided at the last minute to change into his steel-toed safety boots to join his co-workers on the picket line today. It’s a good thing he did. Witnesses at the front gate of the Quilchena Golf and Country Club in Richmond say Chysyk’s foot was run over as he tried to get out of the way of the club general manager’s car.  

VANCOUVER—CUPE 1004 members have ratified a new collective agreement in Vancouver.

Vancouver outside workers and the City of Vancouver have a new four-year deal which is retroactive to January 1, 2012 and expires December 31, 2015.

The new agreement includes modest wage increases of 1.25 percent, 1.75 percent, 1.75 percent and 2 percent in each year of the agreement. The agreement also includes significant improvements to job promotions and job security as well as new processes for service improvements.

PORT MOODY—The City of Port Moody and members of CUPE 825, municipal and library workers, have ratified a four-year collective agreement. CUPE 825 ratified the agreement on Wednesday, January 9 and the City ratified on Tuesday, December 18.

“The collaborative relationship that has been developed between the union and employer in past years helped both parties reach a fair and equitable settlement for all stakeholders,” said CUPE 825 president Raman Braich.

ELKFORD—The District of Elkford and its municipal workers, CUPE 3004 members, have reached a new four-year collective agreement.

“We are pleased to announce that the both the union and the employer have ratified the new contract for Elkford’s municipal workers,” says Keith Nielson, CUPE National Representative. “It was a challenging round of negotiations, and we believe it resulted in a fair and reasonable agreement for the times.”

ELKFORD—Talks between the District of Elkford and CUPE Local 3004 have ground to a halt.

CUPE National Representative, Keith Nielson, reports that after 11 meetings with the District it appears that an agreement cannot be reached at the table.

ELKFORD—CUPE 3004 members in the District of Elkford have voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action.

CUPE 3004 president Tanis Haugo reports that the strong strike mandate sends a message to the employer that employees are frustrated and aren’t feeling respected.

NELSON—Rotating strike action will begin this afternoon at 4:00 p.m. at the Nelson and District Community Complex (NDCC).

After giving the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) over a week to consult with its board of directors, CUPE 2262 president, Leford Lafayette, says the employer has returned to the table with little movement in their bargaining position.

NEW WESTMINSTER–CUPE 387 members have ratified a new four-year collective agreement with the City of New Westminster.

“We are pleased to be able to continue providing quality public services to the residents of New Westminster,” says CUPE 387 business agent George Habib. "We set out to achieve a fair and reasonable collective agreement for our members and despite a tough bargaining climate we were able to do that.”

The recent round of collective bargaining marked the first time in many years that the city and the union have conducted negotiations independently.

POWELL RIVER—Dramatic cuts to municipal services will affect the quality of services residents receive in Powell River, warns CUPE Local 798. 

The City of Powell River recently announced their proposed 2012 budget which includes cuts that would reduce hours for transit, reduce bylaw enforcement services, cut parks and recreation services and increase water and sewer fees.

FRASER VALLEY REGIONAL DISTRICT—CUPE Local 458 workers have ratified a new three-year collective agreement.

The Regional District workers and the employer, with the help of mediator Debbie Cameron, have a new contract which runs until December 31, 2013.  Included in the package are wage increases of 2 per cent (2011), 1.5 per cent (2012) and 1.5 per cent (2013).