October 24, 2000

CUPE 15 votes against City’s latest offer
negotiations still ongoing with IBEW inspectors and technicians

Striking CUPE 15 employees voted to reject the City of Vancouver's offer to settle the four-week civic strike. Union members voted against a contract offer that was mutually agreed upon by the City and the union bargaining committee on the weekend. The 2,800-member union local represents a wide range of employees -- from clerical and administrative staff to recreation workers in the Parks Board and senior planners.

"We are extremely disappointed that the striking employees rejected the agreement after their own bargaining committee recommended its ratification. We worked relentlessly over the past week and months to achieve the best balance between the service and operational needs of the City and public, and the needs of our employees," said Judy Rogers, city manager.

"We have been generous with this last offer. We proposed a package that was more equitable in that it gave flexible time-off benefits to all full-time staff, not just those who received it under the old compressed workweek system. This latest offer stretched beyond what any other municipality has entrenched in their collective agreements. We simply have no more to offer."

The tentative agreement provided a wage increase of 2, 2 and 3 per cent over three years. It also included significant enhancements to benefits for temporary, part-time and auxiliary employees.

"Our deepest regret," added Rogers, "is that many of our staff want to come back to work."

Meanwhile, IBEW Engineering Operations Branch ratified their agreement this afternoon. The city is still in talks with the IBEW representing approximately 25 inspectors and technicians.

"We are hopeful we can reach an agreement shortly with the union representing our inspectors and technicians," added Rogers.

Approximately 2,800 City workers have been on strike since September 27 with an additional 1,700 picketed out. The City has obtained contracts or tentative agreements with CUPE 1004, CUPE 391 (library staff) and IBEW Engineering Operations Branch.

Media contact: Catherine Clement 873-7270

 

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