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COLWOOD, BC — Housekeepers at Royal Roads University have won a major victory in the battle for fair pay. Seven housekeeping staff, members of CUPE Local 3886, have been awarded pay increases to bring them in line with the equivalent custodial rate.

In the case of the Housekeeping Supervisor, this translates to an increase of $5.04/hr retroactive to April 2005. For other housekeepers, the decision means an equity increase of $2.14/hour retroactive to the start of the collective agreement effective June 1 of this year.

CUPE 3886, which has 52 members and represents Facilities and Grounds at the university, brought the issue forward at labour management as a classic wage discrimination case between Housekeeping Aides and Cleaners.

 

 

CUPE 3886 president Greg Higgs says that it was clear to the union that the issue would be a slam-dunk discrimination case should it get to arbitration. “We made a solid argument and the employer took a look and agreed to voluntarily address the inequities,” says Higgs.


 

Higgs calls the agreement an example of what can happen when the employer works with the union for fairness in the workplace.

 

 

“Pay equity has been a priority issue for CUPE 3886 and I am very pleased that this decision goes a long way towards righting an historical wrong,” he says.