Third Strike at Vancouver Community College ~ Continuing Failure of the Government's Bargaining Strategy

Third Shutdown

VANCOUVER, Nov. 19, 2012 /CNW/ - The union for support staff at VCC, CUPE 4627 (www.cupe4627.com) have announced that they will strike VCC all day.  This follows complete one day shutdowns on October 30^th  and November 7^th.   Members of the VCC Faculty Association, a certified trade union, did not and will not cross picket lines.  The action this week resulted in a college closure and a complete shutdown of classes.

"After two complete shutdowns last week, one would think that was enough to get bargaining back on track but this government also seems shutdown," said VCC Faculty Association President Frank Cosco.

"We are worried that there will be another day of learning lost, and for what?  It's clear that a financial settlement pattern in the public sector up to 2014 has been set.  These VCC employees have been bargaining for two years.  They, like other public sector workers, did not strike because of the two zeros.  But now, they see other settlements in post-secondary going up to 2014.  They legitimately ask, 'Why not us?'

If this is the government's strategy, it's working
"This government seems to have no strategy but to be punitive, pushing people to extremes.  If that's their strategy, it's working.  Now BCIT will also be struck Monday and more institutions after that.

It seems to have no concern that important services are threatened.

"The VCCFA calls on those responsible in government to wake up and get to the bargaining table and to get creative.  It's their responsibility."

SOURCE: Vancouver Community College Faculty Association

Frank Cosco, 604.838.9428