Royal Roads University and the Royal Roads University Faculty Association have ratified a two-year agreement providing for modest wage increases within existing budgets, announced Minister of Advanced Education, Innovation and Technology John Yap, today.

The new collective agreement covers about 55 full-time faculty and librarians at the university. The two-year agreement includes a two per cent wage increase in each year from within existing budgets, consistent with the Cooperative Gains Mandate.

The B.C. government has been clear that there is no new money to fund wage increases and there is no desire to download these costs onto families or future generations. The Cooperative Gains Mandate provides public sector employers with the ability to negotiate modest wage increases funded from savings within existing budgets, not adding costs to taxpayers and ratepayers, and not sacrificing services.

Settlements under the 2012 mandate are expected to be unique between sectors and between employers in some sectors.

Quotes:

Minister of Advanced Education, Innovation and Technology John Yap -

"This is the first agreement covering faculty ratified under the Cooperative Gains Mandate, and I would like to thank the university and the faculty association for working so hard to make this agreement happen."

Minister of Finance Michael de Jong -

"Despite the challenging fiscal climate, this agreement shows the Cooperative Gains Mandate can lead to settlements without taking more money from taxpayers or reducing services.

"This mandate gives employers and unions the opportunity to find creative solutions, and this means no two settlements are going to be alike. We are going to see unique settlements in every sector and with each employer."

Dr. Allan Cahoon, president and vice-chancellor for Royal Roads University -

"I am delighted we have been able to reach an agreement with our faculty. We wanted to acknowledge their passion and commitment to teaching excellence while also being respectful of the guidelines provided by the B.C. government. With this agreement, I think we've arrived at a fair balance."

Quick Facts:

• The new 2012 Cooperative Gains Mandate applies to all public sector employers whose collective agreements expired on or after Dec. 31, 2011.

• About 300,000 unionized workers are employed in the public service, at Crown corporations and agencies, and in the K-12, post-secondary, health and community social services sectors.

Learn More:

Updated bargaining information is available at: http://www.fin.gov.bc.ca/psec/

Media Contacts:

Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Advanced Education, Innovation and Technology
250 952-6508

Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Finance
250 356-2821

Paul Corns
Associate Vice President
Community Relations and Advancement
Royal Roads University
250 391 2526
250 812 5065 (cell)