Creston Valley library workers ratify new agreement

Expanded benefits will make a big difference for families, says CUPE 4959

CRESTON, BC, Nov. 29, 2018 /CNW/ - CUPE 4959 and the Creston Library Association have signed off on a new collective agreement that includes a range of provisions and expanded benefits that will have a positive impact on families in the Valley, the local said today.

"We want to acknowledge the positive relationship with Creston's new Chief Librarian, Saara Itkonen," said CUPE 4959 President Gail Southall. "We hope this agreement and the productive discussions at the bargaining table will help those good relations continue well into the future."

The revised agreement includes new language covering a wide variety of important topics. Some new provisions address precarious work and introduce leave for workers required to care for sick family members as well as those who have experienced domestic violence. The new contract also expands existing benefits to include same sex partners, and introduces new policy and procedures to prevent or respond to workplace harassment.

"Workers are especially pleased with the addition of leave and benefit provisions, as well as the measures to address precarity," said Southall. "Ultimately, each of these provisions strengthen our community by providing necessary support to families, which?in a small town like Creston?can have profound, positive, community-wide impacts."

The five-year agreement features a 10-per-cent cumulative wage increase in addition to other adjustments resulting from changes to the minimum wage in British Columbia. Workers at the Creston Valley Public Library have been working without a contract since the past agreement expired in December of 2017.

SOURCE Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE)