Agreement with District of Sechelt ratified

Staff at the District of Sechelt who are members of the B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union (BCGEU) have ratified their tentative collective agreement by 89 percent.

"This was a tough round of bargaining, but we were able to reach an agreement with the District," said Darryl Walker, BCGEU president. "I want to thank the bargaining committee for their hard work."

The agreement was reached with the help of mediator Grant Macarthur.

The District will consider ratifying the agreement next week.

Highlights of the new agreement are:

• Three-year agreement, ending December 2012
• Increase in the first year (2.5%); second year (2%); and in the third year (2%).
• Improved Safety apparel provisions
• Meal per diem improvements

There are 45 BCGEU members at the District. This includes administrative support staff and outside workers, such as parks, water and sanitation.