Since the story below a mediator has worked with the two sides and an agreement seems final except for a vote needed next Thursday at the RDOS board table in Penticton.
The employer used a section of the labour code to submit a final offer to employees and the workers said yes.
The final offer gives a 2.98% raise in 2012 with a further 1% in each of the next two years with a contract expiring at the end of 2014. A further cost of .7% is being given in increased benefits for a total package of 5.68% over three years. The agreement will cost the budget an annual increase of about $141 thousand dollars.
A four year agreement was settled with CUPE workers in Oliver earlier this year: That settlement included wage increases in 2011 – 2 percent, 2012 -1.75 percent, 2013 – 1.75 percent and 2014 – 2 percent ending December 31, 2014
Earlier Story
Unionized employees of the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) have voted to go on strike.
The RDOS claims it has treated their employees fairly over the term of the past two Collective Agreements.
Figures released by RDOS Directors show the union (BCGEU) is asking for a raise of 6.2% in 2012 and 3.18% in 2013.
Meanwhile, the district says it gave them a raise of 4.25% in 2006, followed by two jumps of 3.5%, then an increase of 2.5% in 2009, followed by hikes of 1.5% the last two years.