Canadian Union of Public Employees

LOWER MAINLAND METRO VANCOUVER - CUPE BARGAINING BULLETIN #3

[Nov 15, 2011 02:56 PM]

New GVRD bylaw should improve negotiations

A new bylaw introduced by the Greater Vancouver Regional District (GVRD) Board of Directors could significantly improve this round of negotiations. Among other things, the bylaw is expected to speed up the pace of talks.

In the past, the majority of Metro Vancouver Municipalities have had to use the GVRD for all their labour relation functions, including negotiations. However, if this bylaw passes (and it is expected to pass) Metro Vancouver municipalities will no longer be legally bound to the GVRD. This will place us in a  better bargaining position.

How this bylaw will change bargaining

1. No more concerns about when to serve notice to commence bargaining.

2. No legal veto authority for the Metro Vancouver Regional District. The GVRD will not have the 'final say'. It will instead act only as a "resource" during negotiations.

3. Locals will have the ability to negotiate and approve proposals that are specific to any given municipality. This should ensure that no issues are passed over because of their perceived impact in other communities.

4. Shorter negotiation process due to the fact that Metro Vancouver will potentially no longer serve as chief negotiator at each table. In the past, negotiations in the Metro Vancovuer area have been lengthy and slow due to a single GVRD negotiator being assigned to every Metro table.

Why the GVRD is making these chnages

After the last round of bargaining, when Vancouver, Burnaby and Delta all served notice to leave, the GVRD decided a review of their labour relations division was necessary. They hired Jim Dorsey to conduct the review. His recommendations are under consideration by the GVRD.

What will happen next

This bylaw is expected to pass by the end of this month. The GVRD will be changing how they bargain to better serve the municipalities in Greater Vancouver. A Metro All Presidents meeting to strategize coordinated bargaining will be held before Christmas.