CUPE 3799 ratifies collective agreement with UNBC

PRINCE GEORGE, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - May 20, 2015) - CUPE Local 3799 ratified a collective agreement with the University of Northern British Columbia today.

"I want to commend UNBC for working collaboratively and respectfully with CUPE Local 3799," said CUPE 3799 president Caroline Sewell. "This agreement was reached in large part because of a good working relationship between our local and UNBC."

Improvements include the right for union members to adjust their hours without loss of pay to attend union membership meetings; establishing equivalency for postings and recognizing equivalency in selections; increased vacation for long-term employees and the ability to carry over vacation; doubling of overtime banks and the length of time available to use up over time banks; post-retirement benefits; additional unpaid bereavement leave for cultural practices related to bereavement, such as headstone moving or tribal feasts; improved reporting of sick leave; and notice of change to include shared services (90 days minimum).

Letters of intent address protection for whistle blowers, protective footwear, and the ability to get safety prescription glasses. The new contract also includes numerous housekeeping and minor language clarifications.

Although wages will follow the current mandate of 5.5 per cent over five years, instead of a one-per-cent increase across the board on July 1, 2015, the salary band will be adjusted so that all employees receive a minimum increase of one per cent with the average increase being 1.06 per cent. Some employees, depending on their progression through the salary range, will achieve slightly over a 2 per cent increase. In addition all employees get an extra .2 per cent on July 1, 2015.

CUPE 3799 represents approximately 350 support staff at UNBC who keep the campus running on a day-to-day basis. They support students in their learning and faculty in teaching. Some of the services CUPE members provide include: grounds maintenance, power plant operation, information technology services, video conference and lecture hall maintenance, international program support, administrative services, distribution services, counseling and advising services, along with wellness and peer support.