BCGEU sets course for 2010 contract talks

Leaders for the largest union involved in 2010 public sector bargaining have refined contract proposals and set their strategy for negotiations that will begin in mid-January.

"We've wrapped up a successful bargaining conference today and set our course for 2010," says Darryl Walker, president of the B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union.

Walker says 53,000 BCGEU members will be looking for new contracts next year. He expects that bargaining-difficult at the best of times-will be made even more challenging because of rigid conditions and a zero cost mandate set by the B.C. Liberals before talks begin.

"Our proposals include a wage increase and changes to solve long-standing inequities," says Walker. "For example, we'll be negotiating hard to win benefits for veteran forest fire fighters who put their lives on the line to keep our forests safe-yet the government refuses to give them coverage."

Despite the government's initial posturing, Walker says BCGEU will work hard with other unions to find common ground and creative solutions to achieve settlements that work for front-line staff, the government and for British Columbians who depend on public services.

"However," Walker cautions, "the fundamental law of bargaining is that it takes two sides to reach settlements, and if there's not something in it for both sides then a deal won't get done.

"We are not going to sign deals if there's nothing in it for us. Why would we agree to settle for nothing?"

The union's proposal for a wage increase is based on rising costs for members because of factors like the HST and carbon tax, and the fact that Victoria has already given a three per cent pay boost to groups like registered nurses and doctors. "Bargaining can only work when there's one set of rules for everyone," Walker says.

BCGEU members involved in talks include: 29,000 members who work in the provincial public service, 12,000 health care workers, 8,500 community social services workers, and 3,900 post-secondary instructors and support staff. In all 200,000 public sector workers will be negotiating next year.