VIRL Library workers reach tentative agreement

NANAIMO, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Jan. 15, 2016) - After a long bargaining process that included sessions with a mediator, CUPE 401 reached a tentative agreement with the Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL) yesterday evening.

Details of the tentative agreement will not be released publicly until both parties review and ratify the agreement.

CUPE 401 President Blaine Gurrie said, "We were able to come to this agreement after serious and thoughtful discussions on issues that were important to our members, who care deeply about the library and the communities they serve."

Gurrie praised the commitment and dedication of the bargaining committee and thanked members and the public for their support.

CUPE 401 members will be voting on ratification of the tentative agreement on January 24. The bargaining committee is recommending ratification. It is hoped that the board will ratify the agreement at its AGM on Saturday, January 16.

CUPE members provide public library services as library assistants, circulation supervisors, office workers, IT, and drivers at 39 branches in 37 communities throughout Vancouver Island, Haida Gwaii, the Central Coast, and some northern Gulf Islands.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Blaine Gurrie
CUPE 401 President
250-729-7557


Ian McLean
CUPE National Representative
250-816-2077


Janet Szliske
CUPE Communications Representative
604-454-7293