The ratification vote, held yesterday afternoon, passed with 93 per cent support.
“We’re very pleased to be able to conclude this first agreement,” said CUPE 389 president Cindy McQueen.
“It’s certainly comparable to other library agreements in the Lower Mainland. What is significant is how it has brought the wages of these workers in line with other library workers in the region. Special salary adjustments have been made to raise pay rates to a level consistent with those throughout the Greater Vancouver Regional District.”
The contract includes provisions for wage increases of 3.5 per cent retroactive to January 1 this year, 4 per cent on January 1, 2010 and 4 per cent on January 1, 2011. The collective agreement expires on December 31, 2011.
The agreement retains existing health and welfare benefits and, effective on January 1 next year, adds group life insurance.
“We look forward to many years of harmonious relations with the employer at North Vancouver District Public Library,” said McQueen.
The library board is expected to ratify the agreement at its regular meeting on July 9.
