Following months of difficult negotiations a tentative agreement was reached late last night between the BCGEU and the B.C. government.

The tentative agreement includes a wage increase larger than originally offered. The proposed wage increase includes:

• A one per cent increase retroactive to April 1, 2012
• A one per cent increase retroactive to August 15, 2012
• A one percent increase in April 2013
• A one per cent increase in December 2013.

The new tentative agreement also renews important employment security protection for another two years.

Under the terms of the tentative agreement, reimbursable expenses will not be charged against the government’s cooperative gains bargaining mandate.

A key part of the tentative agreement is the cancellation of the proposed privatization of the BC Liquor Distribution Branch warehouse and distribution system. The LDB is an important source of provincial revenue and will remain intact.

Stewards will conduct ratification votes at worksites. Members are encouraged to keep watching the BCGEU website for more information on the tentative agreement and the ratification process.