Union and UBCO finalize new deal

The University of British Columbia Okanagan and the BC Government Employees Union have ratified a new labour agreement.

BCGEU represents about 650 employees at UBC’s Okanagan campus in Kelowna, including students, who provide services in administration, facilities and technical support, food and beverage, library support and teaching assistance.

The agreement includes: a three-year term of July 1, 2019, to June 30, 2022; general wage increases of 2% each year; and improved support for professional development, as well as targeted wage increases for undergraduate teaching assistants and markers to address recruitment and retention challenges.

“The Sustainable Services Negotiating Mandate supports government’s commitment to improving the services people count on, making life more affordable and investing in sustainable economic growth. The mandate is consistent with B.C.’s commitment to balanced budgets and sound fiscal management. Currently, there are more than 220,000 public-sector employees covered by tentative or ratified agreements reached under the mandate,” said a B.C. government news release.