BCGEU reports marginal progress so far as B.C. Government negotiations resume

BCGEU President Darryl Walker says the union is a bit discouraged the last two weeks of bargaining with the B.C. Government has produced little progress on a variety of issues.

During the weeks of January 19 and 26, 2012, each of the BCGEU’s six public service components conducted small table negotiations with government negotiators.

“The six tables made little headway in this round of talks. They say the government negotiators came to the table without a mandate to move on most of our issues,” said Walker.

Walker said the government declined to address proposals including meal and clothing allowances, dangerous working conditions, training and vacation scheduling.

Large table negotiations (master bargaining main table) with the B.C. Government resume on Tuesday, February 7 in Vancouver.

“If the slow progress of talks at the small tables is any indication of what’s to come, I don’t see us reaching a collective agreement with the government any time soon,” said Walker. “All we want is a fair and reasonable agreement.”