Public Service Bargaining - Bulletin #9: Talks on collision course

Transcript of Darryl Walker Interview

Negotiations for the 15th Master agreement for 29,000 BCGEU public service members continued this week in Victoria with only two weeks to go until the current collective agreement expires March 31.

"This week we made limited progress on resolving some of the outstanding proposals from both sides, but we are still not able to reach agreement on the central issue of employment security," said Darryl Walker, BCGEU president. "After nine intensive weeks of talks the government mandate related to employment security is still not adequate for us to reach a deal at the bargaining table."

"The employer is seeking to reduce employment security protections contained in the current collective agreement," said Walker. "Since the beginning of these negotiations we have been clear that the BCGEU is not prepared to recommend a new collective agreement without employment security."

The government continues to be unwilling to accept the union's comprehensive package of proposals aimed at resolving employment security issues.

"The government is backing us into a corner with their attempts to take away rights we currently have. Unless the government mandate changes soon we will be at an impasse," said Walker.

Talks move to Vancouver and resume next week. Additional bargaining dates are set through to March 31, when the current contract expires.

Members should check the BCGEU web site (www.bcgeu.ca) for updates.

To make sure the union has your e-mail address to receive bargaining news, go to http://www.bcgeu.ca/email.

Members can also check the union's Bargaining Hotline by calling (604) 473-5444 or 1-800-335-5665.

Public Service Bargaining Committee members:

BCGEU president - Darryl Walker
BCGEU vice-president - Colleen Jones
Component 1 - Dean Purdy
Component 2 - Susanne Francoeur
Component 5 - Craig MacKay
Component 6 - Doug Kinna
Component 12 - Sandi McLean, Lori Joaquin
Component 20 - Byron Goerz
Chief staff negotiators - Jaynie Clark, David Vipond