By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: May 20, 2012 1:00 AM
It’s unknown if picket signs will pop up in front of local libraries. Okanagan Regional Library has indicated it will stick
to its current contract position with the Canadian Union of Public
Employees. “It’s a concern because we were hoping they would move
and we could settle the contract,” said Rose Jurkic, local 1123
president. The union’s 155 members — including in Vernon and Cherryville — will be considering their next steps. “There will be further job action but we have to give
72-hour notice and we have to decide what form of action we take,” said
Jurkic. “We’re really trying to do job action that doesn’t affect the public.” ORL has offered a 4.5 per cent increase over three
years, and the union can decide if it goes to wages or benefits or a
combination of both. “Given the current economic climate, the ORL board
feels this is a just offer – one that would fairly compensate our
front-line staff while ensuring there is budget for improvements to
technology and services for the benefit of all ORL customers,” states an
ORL release. “We feel our wage and benefit packages are fair, and
this is evidenced by the extremely low turnover we have amongst ORL
staff. It is true there haven’t been substantial improvements to the
benefits package in 20 years; this is because the package is quite comprehensive and in previous negotiations, CUPE has opted for salary
increases over benefits improvements.” CUPE is seeking a five per cent wage hike over three years as well as improvements to benefits. Jurkic says that based on an 80/20 split between the
employer and unionized and non-union workers for dental coverage, ORL
pays $30,000 a year. “We’re talking about $30,000 in a $15 million budget.
Aren’t we worth that?” she said adding that the cost of benefits has
been eating away at paycheques.
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