B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union (BCGEU) members employed at the NCO Call Centre in Surrey have voted 74% in favour of their first collective agreement, it was announced today.

The ratification comes after the employees were certified to be represented by the BCGEU in March 2006.

"I am very encouraged by the support our members have given to this first agreement," said George Heyman, BCGEU president. "Our committee has worked for 12 months to get the agreement and now we will work with the employer to implement all aspects of the deal."

Highlights of the new agreement include a 6% wage increase over three years and additional paid time off attached to years of service. There is also the creation of Labour/Management and Occupational Health and Safety committees.

The NCO call centre in Surrey currently employs approximately 1,000 BCGEU members but is looking to expand its workforce.