February 27, 2000, Nanaimo Marlene Crozier, President of CUPE Local 606, the local that represents the approximately 800 support staff workers employed by School District 68 (Nanaimo/Ladysmith) challenged the school board to admit its limitations at the bargaining table.
Responding to a media release in which the school board stated that bargaining with CUPE was going well, Crozier said, “The local appreciates Mr. Allen’s concerns about bargaining at this stage but we wonder where the trustees have been while senior staff have frustrated the bargaining process over and over again. While bargaining has now resolved some issues after months and months of negotiationsthe sticking points remain and they are issues that district negotiators dont have any authority to resolve.” Crozier is referring to issues such as job security and benefits.
“This district,” says Crozier, “has been trying to play both sides of the fence since the outset of bargaining, They are governed by the decisions of the BC Public School Employers Association (BCPSEA). They gave their bargaining authority to BCPSEA and now they are trying to pretend that they still have it.”
Crozier noted that there are two more bargaining dates set to attempt to negotiate CUPEs key issues. “At the end of those two days well see what appetite our members have for continuing.”
Meanwhile, Crozier says, a consultation process has been started to share information with the membership.”
Information:
Marlene Crozier, President, CUPE Local 606
(250) 729-0852
June Ross, National Servicing Representative
(250) 753-0118