Vancouver School Board Bargaining Underway

January 24, 2011

CUPE 15 and the Vancouver School Board commenced negotiations today for a renewed collective agreement. The parties agreed to a protocol agreement and exchanged bargaining proposals. CUPE 15 lead negotiator Tina Meadows said “our proposals were developed from feedback from our members to address many concerns including working conditions, workloads, training, compensation and benefits”. “We are looking forward to productive discussions with the employer” said Meadows. The parties have set several dates over the coming weeks for further discussions.

CUPE 15 President Paul Faoro joined the CUPE 15 Bargaining Committee for today’s session. Faoro said “it’s time for the Provincial Government to start recognizing and valuing the important work CUPE members perform each day at the Vancouver School Board and all other school districts in the Province.”

The current collective agreement expired June 30, 2010. CUPE 15 represents 1,400 VSB employees who work in a variety of positions including Youth and Family Workers, Special Education Assistants, Aboriginal Education Enhancement Workers, Multi Cultural Workers, clerical, administrative, and technical.

The CUPE 15 Bargaining Committee is comprised of Craig Hopkins (Chairperson), Miriam Pulsifer, Warren Williams (Co-Chairperson), Paul Hayes, Kenny Brett, Carley Romas (alternate), and Tina Meadows, CUPE National Representative.