October 21, 2000

City reaches tentative agreement with CUPE 15

Employees vote to ratify on October 24

The City of Vancouver is pleased to announce it has reached a tentative settlement with CUPE 15. The union bargaining committee will be recommending the proposal to its 2,800 members, who will vote on the offer on Tuesday.

The tentative agreement provides a wage increase of 2, 2, and 3 per cent over three years. It also includes significant enhancements to benefits for temporary, part-time and auxiliary employees, and grants the employer the ability to set the hours of work and shift schedules for new and vacant positions in order to optimize service delivery to the public.

Lastly, the proposed settlement enables all employees to take an additional 11 days of paid time off and also time off during a Christmas shutdown, in return for working an extra 25 minutes a day.

CUPE 15 members have been on strike since September 27. They represent a wide range of employees — from clerical and administrative staff to recreation workers in the Parks Board and senior planners.

"We are very pleased to have reached this tentative settlement. We feel we have struck an agreement that balances the service and operational needs of the City and public, with the needs of our employees," noted Judy Rogers, city manager. "Obviously, this has been a difficult time for everyone. We look forward to having our staff back and to restoring services to the residents of Vancouver."

Meanwhile, the City and IBEW Engineering Operations Branch — who represent workers who repair traffic signals and street lights — reached a tentative agreement Friday evening. The agreement is similar to that of CUPE’s in that it provides for a wage increase of 2, 2, and 3 per cent over three years. Members will be voting to ratify in the next few days.

On Monday, a meeting is scheduled with the IBEW representing approximately 25 inspectors and technicians who are still in a strike position.

- 30 -

Media contact: Catherine Clement 873-7270

[News Release Index]

Comments or questions about the web site? You can send us e-mail.

(c) 2000 City of Vancouver