Nearly 200 delegates to the BCGEU’s two-day bargaining conference have identified key proposals for bargaining in 2012.

Members named wage increases, job security and improved benefits as their main contract requests to take to sectoral bargaining tables next year.

Contracts for roughly 85% of BCGEU members will be up for renegotiation in 2012 in a variety of sectors, including B.C. Government employees, health, community social services, highways, education, crown corporations and others.

“I’m delighted with the amount of hard work and energy displayed at the conference,” said BCGEU President Darryl Walker.  “People were in good spirits and engaged in a lot of thorough and comprehensive discussions.”

Work to finalize bargaining proposals will take place in the coming weeks.

Talks between the BCGEU and B.C. Government will begin with an exchange of proposals on January 10, 2012. The other sectors expect to commence their negotiations before the end of February.