The College of New Caledonia’s support staff have ratified a three-year contract, according to information released by the provincial government on Tuesday.
The agreement covers about 2,100 Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) members at five post-secondary institutions. In addition to CUPE Local 4951 staff at the College of New Caledonia, the agreement impacts support staff at Camosun College, College of the Rockies, North Island College and Vancouver Island University.
“The CUPE support staff employees, including some students, work at five post-secondary institutions providing services in administration, facilities and technical support, food and beverage, library support and teaching assistance,” the provincial statement said.
The three-year contract covers the period from April 1, 2022 to March 31, 2025. In year one employees will receive a $0.25 per hour flat increase, plus 3.24 per cent. Year two includes a 5.5 per cent increase plus a cost-of-living increase to a maximum of 6.75 per cent. Year three includes a two per cent increase, plus a cost-of-living increase to a maximum of three per cent.
“These negotiations are focused on providing a fair and reasonable offer to public-sector workers that includes significant inflation protection, while ensuring that government has the resources to continue to invest in building a stronger province for everyone,” the provincial statement said. “Other achievements during this round of negotiations included Indigenous cultural leave at each institution, improved mental-health supports for employees, establishment of several sectoral committees in benefits, and gender-neutral job evaluation.”
