KAMLOOPS: Thompson Rivers University has reached a tentative two-year agreement with the Thompson Rivers University Faculty Association under the government's 2010 Mandate, announced Finance Minister Kevin Falcon.

The tentative agreement covers approximately 500 full-time employees, including faculty-instructors, counsellors, librarians, and instructional support employees at TRU. Faculty Association members are expected to vote on the agreement in the coming weeks.

Last year, government announced its intention to control spending on wages during this round of bargaining. To protect jobs and preserve vital services British Columbians depend on, the Province has no funding for new wage increases as collective agreements are renewed.

Quotes:

Minister of Finance Kevin Falcon:

"It's great news that a tentative agreement with the TRU Faculty Association has been reached within the negotiating framework. This is another example of collaborative work resulting in a positive outcome."

Minister of Advanced Education Naomi Yamamoto:

"This agreement is good news; students at Thompson Rivers University are assured of a stable learning environment and I would like to congratulate all parties involved for their clear commitment to our post-secondary students."

TRU president and vice-chancellor Alan Shaver:

"We are extremely pleased to have come to a tentative agreement. We believe that this partnership with our faculty will continue our tradition of academic excellence and quality student experience."

Quick Facts:

There are approximately 306,000 unionized workers in occupations throughout B.C.'s public sector, the great majority of which have agreements that expired between March 31, 2010 and Dec. 31, 2010. More than two-thirds of those employees have now renegotiated agreements that were set to expire in 2010, including agreements covering 99 per cent of health-care workers.

Learn More:

Updated bargaining information is available at:

http://www.aved.gov.bc.ca/psec/bargaining2010/

Contact:

Jamie Edwardson

Communications Manager

250 356-9872

Connect with the Province of B.C. at www.gov.bc.ca/connect