Staff at the District of Sechelt, who are members of the B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union (BCGEU), have ratified their tentative collective agreement by 89 per cent.
"This was a tough round of bargaining, but we were able to reach an agreement with the District," said Darryl Walker, BCGEU president in a news release. "I want to thank the bargaining committee for their hard work."
The agreement was reached with the help of mediator Grant Macarthur.
The District will consider ratifying the agreement next week.
Highlights of the new agreement are: three-year agreement, ending Decem-ber 2012; increase in the first year (2.5 per cent), second year (two per cent) and third year (two per cent); improved safety apparel provisions; and meal per diem improvements
There are 45 BCGEU members at the District. This includes administrative support staff and outside workers, such as parks, water and sanitation.
District administrator Rob Bremner said the District is pleased to have come to an agreement.
"We put a lot of value in our union employees. They are loyal and hard-working. This new deal builds on our relationship going forward," said Bremner. "Obviously with the economic realities that we face, we always need to take the citizens' and taxpayers' role into consideration when we enter into negotiations. It was not an easy negotiation, but going forward in the municipal government market right now, the deal we struck is a good one and is affordable for its citizens."
