Thompson Rivers University and CUPE Local 4879 have ratified a four-year agreement providing for modest wage increases within existing budgets, Minister of Advanced Education, Innovation and Technology John Yap announced today.

The new collective agreement covers about 600 support staff working in positions such as system analysts, accountants, cashiers, bookstore clerks and buyers, registration and admissions clerks, maintenance and utility staff, library technicians, ancillary staff and Open Learning support staff.

The four-year agreement includes zero-per-cent wage increases for the first two years, April 1, 2010 through March 31, 2012, consistent with the 2010 Net Zero Mandate, and a two-per-cent general wage increase in each of the third and fourth years, April 1, 2012, through March 31, 2014, consistent with the 2012 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 -
"These agreements show that the Cooperative Gains Mandate is working and savings can be found within existing budgets to fund modest wage increases."

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."

TRU President and Vice-Chancellor Alan Shaver - "Our students and faculty depend on the excellent supports and services of our CUPE staff for the quality of the learning experience at TRU. I am pleased that we have succeeded in reaching an agreement which will continue the development of the entire TRU learning community."

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. 
• Under the Cooperative Gains Mandate, tentative and ratified agreements have been reached in the Public Service with the BCGEU, and with the Professional Employees Association; between the BCGEU and Community Living BC; between ICBC and COPE 378; in the health sector with the BC Nurses Union and the Professional Residents; with faculty at Royal Roads University, as well as between many research universities and support staff unions.