Vancouver Island University and the Vancouver Island University Faculty Association have accepted the recommendations of a special mediator and reached a two-year agreement, announced Finance Minister Kevin Falcon.

The agreement covers approximately 300 faculty members at VIU.

Stephanie Cadieux, the Minister of Labour, Citizens' Services and Open Government, appointed a special mediator on April 11, 2011. His terms of reference were to assist the parties in their negotiations over two outstanding issues and, failing agreement, to issue non-binding recommendations after 30 days. After reviewing the report for 10 days, both parties have now accepted the recommendations.

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:

"I want to thank the Vancouver Island University and the faculty association for their combined efforts to reach this agreement. I'm happy that in these challenging times these two parties, with the help of the mediator, were able to work through these negotiations and find a mutually agreeable resolution."

Minister of Advanced Education Naomi Yamamoto:

"I am very pleased with the successful conclusion of the negotiations and would like to thank all of the parties involved for achieving an agreement that will ultimately benefit local students and the community."

VIU President Ralph Nilson:

"We are optimistic about the future and look forward to preparing all campuses to welcome new and returning students to VIU in the fall. VIU will continue to be guided by the needs and interests of students and the values of the university. The adoption of these recommendations will allow VIU to stay focused on this vision."

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