Ratified contract for BCGEU librarians
April 22, 2022
Ratified contract for BCGEU librarians approved by VIRL’s Board of Trustees
The BCGEU-represented librarians at Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL) have a new four-year contract. On Wednesday, April 20, VIRL’s Board of Trustees unanimously voted to accept the ratified offer and put an end to the labour disruption that has impacted services at VIRL branches since March 8.
“As a Board, we are thankful to both sides of the bargaining table for their commitment and dedication to reaching a fair and sustainable agreement,” says Gaby Wickstrom, Chair of the VIRL Board of Trustees. “With the strike now behind us, it is time to look forward and begin the important work of ensuring our libraries are safe and healthy environments for our staff and the diverse community members who use our spaces every day.”
The agreement equates to a 12% increase over four years and breaks down as follows:
- January 1, 2021: 3% (retroactive)
- January 1, 2022: 3% (retroactive) with a $500 signing bonus
- January 1, 2023: 3%
- January 1, 2024: 3%
In addition to its monetary provisions, the agreement also holds new language for greater bargaining unit/employer collaboration on issues of shared priority.
With an agreement now in place, all VIRL librarians have returned to their branches and resumed the community-focused work they are so passionate about. This includes the full resumption of in-branch and virtual programs and services, reference questions, and the many other critically important services librarians provide every day.
Full details about upcoming programs and events are available on VIRL’s online event calendar.
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Media Contact
David Carson, Director, Corporate Communications
250.327.3651
dcarson@virl.bc.ca
