Public library workers in Grand Forks, BC (represented by CUPE 2254) and the Grand Forks Public Library Board have both voted in favour of a new collective agreement.

The four-year agreement includes annual wage increase of two per cent. Other improvements include the elimination of a lower hourly wage for new employees, a reduction to the probationary period and new language around domestic violence leave.

“The tone during this round of negotiations was very respectful, and we are pleased to have reached an agreement that we believe is fair for our members, the library and residents,” says CUPE 2254 President Steve Crossman. “We look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with the library board to provide important community services to Grand Forks residents.”

The new agreement is retroactive to July 1, 2017 and runs until June 30, 2021.

CUPE 2254 represents 115 members total, including 10 members who work at the Grand Forks Public Library as library assistants in circulation services, programming and outreach and in technical classifications.