CUPE workers at UBC get new deal

No wage increases for first two years

The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 116 and the University of British Columbia (UBC) have reached a tentative collective agreement late Sunday night after two weeks of job action by 2,000 union members that included picketing, overtime bans and that withdrawal of various services on campus. All staff have returned to work Oct. 22.

The tentative deal does not include any wage increases for the first two years. A two per cent wage increase retroactive to April 1, 2012 will take effect in the third year and another two per cent increase will come on April 1, 2013.

Issues of job security and contracting out were included in the deal, as well as funding increases for benefits. The deal still needs to be ratified by both parties.

“(The deal)… reflects and respects the resolve and dedication of (CUPE) 116 members,” said union president Colleen Garbe in a press release. “Our focus never wavered from the main issues — job security, privatization protection and wages to reflect the impact of inflation.”

CUPE 116 represents UBC bookstore, foodservices, custodial, clerical and waste management staff, as well as gardeners and mailroom workers whose previous contract expired in 2010.

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