Your City et al Bargaining Committee (City of Vancouver, Parks, Britannia, and Ray-Cam) has not met with the employer since November 2020.
In November, after an overwhelming response to our survey, the committee presented an alternative approach that would speed up bargaining with a two-year roll-over agreement, that included 2% wage increases in each year.
The union proposal tabled last fall was similar to the deal achieved by CUPE locals in the City of Burnaby, and recently agreed to for bargaining units on the North Shore including the City of North Vancouver, District of North Vancouver, and the District of Squamish.
The employer offered no response to the union proposal presented almost four months ago.
The employer committee said that they are still waiting for a direction from City Council.
While the union does not disagree the City has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the union bargaining committee noted that:
- Vancouver is one of the richest cities in Canada, and this prosperity cannot come at the expense of CUPE members;
- City of Vancouver, Parks, Britannia, and Ray-Cam workers have struggled and adapted in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic and the union’s proposal is very reasonable and fair;
- The cost of living in this region continues to climb, and CUPE 15 members deserve a wage increase similar to other municipal workers in neighbouring cities.
Your union bargaining committee is frustrated by the lack of action from the employer in working to achieve new collective agreements that are fair for the hard-working members who have gone above and beyond in providing vital quality public services to residents during this difficult time.
We know you share our frustration. In the coming days the bargaining committee will meet with our stewards to plan next steps and explore strategies and tactics to apply pressure on the employer.
We hope to meet again with the employer in March and, from now until then, will be working to plan action that will demonstrate united support of members. With you and your fellow members’ backing, your committee will return to the bargaining table in a few weeks with the confidence to fight for a fair deal.
Following our meeting with CUPE 15 stewards, we will provide another email update with more information and an action plan.
Thank you for your ongoing commitment to your union and all members. If we fight together, we will succeed.
In solidarity,
City et al Bargaining Committee (City, Parks, Britannia, and Ray-Cam)
Warren Williams, CUPE Local 15 President
Santino Scardillo, Chair (City)
Starla Bayley (Parks)
Paul Chohan (City)
Henry Lee (Parks)
Michele Alexander (City)
Tony Zullo (City)
Kyle Larson (Parks)
Ravina Lal, Alternate (City)
Carin Rahmberg, Alternate (Ray-Cam Cooperative Centre)
John Geppert, CUPE Local 15 Staff Representative
Steve Salsman, CUPE Local 15 Staff Representative