VCC support staff ratifies collective agreement

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - May 13, 2016) - CUPE 4627, support staff at Vancouver Community College, have ratified a tentative agreement reached late last week.

"I really want to commend our chief negotiator Jo Hansen, the bargaining committee and our national rep for their perseverance and dedication," said CUPE 4627 President Chris Joyce. He noted that bargaining began in July and many sessions were needed to reach an agreement.

The contract is fully retroactive to October 1, 2015 and includes excellent improvements to vision care, hearing aids and life insurance, as well as dental and chiropractic services. On wages the contract follows the provincial government's current mandate of 5.5 per cent over five years and includes the economic stability dividend.

CUPE 4627 represents more than 600 support workers at Vancouver Community College, including clerical, administrative, technical, warehouse, program assistants, cafeteria and library.