We have reached a tentative settlement for the RSW Component for the term of the 18th Public Service Agreement. The changes will take effect after the expiry of the current component agreement on April 1, 2019.

The parties addressed a number of housekeeping issues including updates to Appendix 1 and 2 and the move of the Vancouver Distribution Centre to Delta. The employer also agreed to an increase in the number of stewards per shift at the Delta Distribution Centre and provided confirmation that any and all agreements regarding the current site will apply to the new one. The issue of Warehouse Worker 2 & 3 has been referred to a review of the main public service agreement.

The bargaining committee has secured greater certainty for paid holiday scheduling, including the barrier of short shift changeover, and created timelines for the employer's response to vacation requests that occur after the annual selection process for both regular and auxiliary employees. In addition, there are increases to the safety footwear allowance and a reduction in the time the employer has to respond to lateral transfer requests.

The committee was also able to negotiate language regarding the implementation of cannabis sales and distribution. A memorandum of understanding was established that creates a consultation committee to provide updates on the employer's plans and a forum to address agreement language issues that may arise. 

Significantly, we have established a system allowing current qualified branch employees to laterally transfer into cannabis operations ahead of external applicants.

You can download and review the ratification document by clicking here.

In solidarity

Kusam Doal, Vice President, Retail Stores and Warehouse Component
Margie Edmondson, Committee Member
Joshua Lasta, Committee Member
Jennifer Newman, Committee Member
Keith Stone, Committee Member
Richard Tones, BCGEU Staff Representative

UWU/MoveUP