Today, the Bargaining Committee returned to the picket lines frustrated, exhausted, but more resolved than ever to get a fair settlement. We are extremely angry and frankly a bit horrified that the Employer and City of Vancouver thinks that it is perfectly fine to waste thousands of tax payers’ dollars on hotel rooms and countless hours of our time waiting to finally start meaningful negotiations while our members are stuck on the picket line and the public is unable to access library and city services.
Needless to say, after our return we were met with the most amazing show of support yet for both our bargaining team and our key issues. Everyone has been so amazing and we cannot thank you enough for the warm welcome home and the incredible show support. As long as you are behind us willing to fight for what is right, we will always be able to find the strength to carry on.
Later today, we joined hundreds of members from CUPE 15, 391, 1004, the HEU, and the Vancouver Fight Fighters Union, Local 18 at a rally at City Hall to show our support and let everyone know that we want a fair collective agreement.
With so much solidarity out there from our members, other unions, and the public it is unfathomable why the City is still continuing to behave in such a non-constructive manner. Around the region municipalities and unions are reaching fair agreements:
Richmond contract – ratified July 26
Delta contract – ratified August 1
Burnaby contact – ratified August 2
North Van contract – ratified August 4
Surrey contract – ratified August 7
So, what is the problem with our Employer and the City of Vancouver? And where exactly does City Council and our Library Board stand on getting a fair settlement?
The only thing that has been made clear to us is that the Employer and the City have no interest in negotiating a fair collective agreement at this time.
So, if we are to get a fair settlement any time soon we must more than ever continue to be strong and encourage the public to contact City Council to demand that a fair deal be reached immediately with all civic workers.
When the City of Vancouver and Vancouver Public Library Board are prepared to seriously address our issues, then CUPE 391 is prepared to bargain anytime.
Early next week the Bargaining Committee with be meeting to strategize the next steps. In the meantime, stay strong and check the blog for more information.
Again you are heart, soul, and will behind us. Thank you for doing the right thing.
– Your Bargaining Committee