New collective agreement reached at St. James Daycare Society

Staff at St. James Daycare Society in Vancouver has ratified a new collective agreement.

The three-year agreement affects six BCGEU members. It includes a number of language changes on hours of work and payment of allowances, plus other highlights. Among them:

-Increase in the vehicle allowance to match the amount in the B.C. government master agreement. Also, reimbursement for receipted parking.
-An improved dental plan.
-Wage increases: two percent retroactive to April 1, 2010, two percent effective April 1, 2011, and two percent effective April 1, 2012.

The parties also addressed concerns over the use of a "regular substitute" worker. The employer made the decision to create and post a regular part-time position.