The Viu BCGEU Collective Agreement: What You Need to Know
The Vancouver Island University (VIU) and British Columbia Government and Service Employees` Union (BCGEU) have signed a new collective agreement that covers VIU support staff, including clerical, trades, and technical employees.
The agreement, which runs from April 1, 2019, to March 31, 2022, includes several changes to wages, benefits, and working conditions. Here are some highlights:
Wages:
Under the new agreement, VIU support staff will receive a 2 percent wage increase in each year of the agreement, starting in April 2019. This is in addition to any general wage increases and economic stability divestment payments (ESD) that may be negotiated by the BCGEU on behalf of its members.
Benefits:
The agreement includes several changes to benefits, including:
– Extended health care: Coverage will now include paramedical services such as physiotherapy, speech therapy, and chiropractic care. The maximum annual coverage for these services will be $800 per year.
– Vision care: Coverage for eye exams and eyeglasses will increase from $200 to $250 every two years.
– Dental care: Coverage will increase from 70 percent to 80 percent.
Working conditions:
The agreement also includes several changes to working conditions, including:
– Job evaluation: The job evaluation process will be revised to make it more transparent and fair.
– Scheduling: Employees will be given at least two weeks` notice of any changes to their work schedules.
– Bereavement leave: Employees will now be entitled to five days of paid bereavement leave for the death of a spouse or child, and three days for the death of a parent, sibling, or grandparent.
Overall, the new agreement is seen as a positive step forward for VIU support staff. It provides them with better wages, improved benefits, and more transparent working conditions. By working together with the BCGEU, VIU has been able to negotiate a fair and equitable agreement that benefits both employees and the university.
If you are a VIU support staff member covered by the BCGEU collective agreement, be sure to review the agreement carefully and speak to your union representative if you have any questions or concerns.