VICTORIA—Locked out library workers have a new four-year contract that includes pay equity with municipal workers in the region – achieved in four equal installments over the life of the contract. The agreement also includes nine new full-time positions, and a 12 per cent wage increase over four years, with an additional increase for pages.
“This contract sets a milestone,” said Ed Seedhouse, president of CUPE 410. “Equal pay for work of equal value was long overdue.”
The agreement between CUPE 410 and the Greater Victoria Library Board ends a lockout that started on February 17. Library workers sponsored town hall meetings to bring the issue up for public discussion and debate.
“Public support of libraries and library workers was tremendous,” says Seedhouse. “They missed their libraries as much as we missed working in them. It’ll be good to be back.”
The deal was struck on Monday, March 31 and library workers ratified the agreement that evening. The agreement for library workers comes after 454 days without a contract. It covers 250 workers providing library services in nine library branches throughout the Greater Victoria area.
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Contact: Ed Seedhouse, CUPE 410 president: 250.588.9565
Justin Schmid, CUPE representative: 250.889.5709
Janet Szliske, CUPE Communications: 604.454.7293