BCGEU has settled two important classification appeals with the Public Service Agency for Correctional Supervisors (CSs) and Deputy Sheriff Supervisors that will result in significant wage gains with retroactive pay for Component 1 members working in these positions.

The settlement will bring higher wages for 208 CSs and 38 DS Supervisors.

Correctional Supervisors will see an increase in wages from Grid 21 to Grid 24, with full retroactive pay of two years eight months dating back to Jan. 1, 2006, including any overtime worked. The CS appeal was initially launched in late 2005 by SCO1s, and became the Correctional Supervisor (CS) appeal as a result of a reorganization of positions and the assignment of most SCO3 duties to CSs.

Meanwhile under the DS Supervisor settlement, pay for the position will increase from Grid 18 to Grid 21. There is also 13 months of retroactive pay dating back to July 22, 2007 when this appeal was launched. It also includes overtime worked. The pay increase also extends to Jail Supervisors, Holding Cells/Escorts and Court Security positions. Jury Management positions will also receive Grid 21 pay if they rotate into other positions.

Also part of the settlement for both appeals is a moratorium on future appeals until signing of the next contract which will be renegotiated in 2010. The moratorium ends if the employer substantially changes job duties and/or changes organizational structure.

BCGEU agreed to the PSA settlement proposals as the best that could be achieved through the classification appeal process-especially given the uncertainty of the outcome if an arbitrator was given the final say.

Remember, these classification appeals are separate from the union's efforts to solve pressing recruitment and retention problems in Corrections and Sheriffs Services. BCGEU will continue to press for a temporary market adjustment-a process that's provided for in the current contract-to increase wages to make them more competitive with other peace officer forces in the province and the country.

Classification appeals have also been filed for Deputy Sheriffs and Correctional Officers. Onsite meetings are in the process of being scheduled to deal with these appeals.

In solidarity,

Dean Purdy, Component 1 Chairperson
Lorraine Yigit, BCGEU Classifications Appeals Representative

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