Dec. 3, 2022
Unifor 2000 members at the Kelowna Daily Courier and Penticton Herald have ratified a three-year contract.
The contract, which is retroactive to June 1, 2021, contains a series of minor improvements to working conditions and resolves some ongoing issues.
Wage increases of 1%, 1.5% and 2% are line with recent industry increases.
Bargaining for the next contract is only about 18 months away, said Unifor 2000 President Brian Gibson, and members deserve increases that match other rising costs.
“Inflation is currently running at 6.9% and it won’t be long until we are back at the table to assist our members for what we hope to be further wage increases,” said Gibson.
“Our members struggle everyday under difficult circumstances to get a paper out with a barely functioning management team. We would like to see the employer put in some effort to make these papers a success.
“We are hopeful we will be able to get past the pandemic and turn a new leaf. This agreement, tantamount to a rollover, is the first step in our view. But we have a long journey ahead,” Gibson said.
Working conditions for delivery drivers, which have changed drastically since printing was contracted out to Vancouver, were a major issue.
Truth and Reconciliation Day was added to the list of statutory holidays and the Union was pleased to accept this progressive proposal from the employer.
-30-
Recent Comments