Selkirk College has reached a tentative two-year agreement under the government's 2010 mandate with the Pulp, Paper and Woodworkers of Canada, announced Finance Minister Kevin Falcon.

The tentative agreement covers approximately 227 support staff employees at the college. Union members are expected to vote on the agreement in the coming weeks.

Government has already announced its intention to control spending on wages during this round of bargaining. To protect jobs and preserve vital services British Columbians depend on, government does not have any funding for wage increases as collective agreements are renewed.

Quotes:

Minister of Finance Kevin Falcon -

"Congratulations to Selkirk College and the Pulp, Paper and Woodworkers of Canada for reaching a tentative agreement within the negotiating framework. The parties demonstrated the cooperation needed to arrive at this positive outcome in challenging times."

Minister of Advanced Education Naomi Yamamoto -

"The agreement is great news for Selkirk College and its faculty, staff and students. I want to congratulate everyone involved for making this agreement happen."

Selkirk College president and CEO Angus Graeme -

"I appreciate very much the work of the bargaining committees to bring this tentative agreement forward. The work of our support staff is critical to our success as a college, and this agreement will provide the context for a continued positive working relationship."

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

Ministry of Finance

250 356-9872

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