Important Update for VSB Members

Date: June 4, 2010
To: All CUPE Local 15 Vancouver School Board Members
From: Paul Faoro, President

Please be advised that the Union has been working with the employer to resolve the issues around the collective agreement and the application of the layoff language. This has led to the union requesting to the School Board to bring in a mediator to resolve the outstanding issues around the layoffs and the collective agreement. We are pleased that the School Board has accepted our request and we have agreed to utilize the services of Irene Holden who is a very experienced arbitrator/mediator. This process will begin on Monday June 7, 2010. We are hopeful that this will finalize the process for the proposed layoffs.

It is important to note that the budget has yet to be finalized which could impact the final outcome.
On this note we are waiting to receive a copy of the report from the special advisor that has reviewed the VSB’s operations. CUPE 15 has written the special advisor and the Education Minister to request a copy of the report as soon as it is released.
The school calendar proposal is also in the process of being finalized with the employer, when details are confirmed we will issue notice on the outcome of that matter.