Sechelt Library workers ratify first agreement

SECHELT – CUPE 391 members from Sechelt Public Library have ratified their first collective agreement and the Library Board also ratified the agreement on Sunday.

“The tone at the bargaining table was co-operative and respectful,” says Lolly Mackenzie, member of the bargaining committee. “That made it possible to come to an agreement that took both parties into consideration.

“We’re pleased to ratify our new contract and to continue providing citizens with the highest standard of library operations and services.”

Bargaining was co-operative and an agreement was reached in just five sessions. The four-year agreement maintains all benefits and provides for a 2.5 per cent increase on ratification, plus increases of 2, 2.5, and 3 per cent in the following years.

“CUPE is committed to working for literacy and supporting public library services,” says CUPE National representative Jeff Lawson. “We’re proud of what our members in Sechelt do to support our work building strong communities.”

This first agreement covers 12 employees who provide library programs to children and library services – including computer access – to the community on the Sunshine Coast.

cope491