BCAA – RACC Bargaining Update – Dec 21

The parties met on December 20 to continue negotiations. Some of the proposals discussed concerned scheduling, Dispatch shift structure, union leave provisions, and monetary items. The employer did not improve upon its previous offer, which still falls far short of what is fair and reasonable. At this time, the employer is still requesting a 4 year renewal and wage increases in each of the four years as follows: 2%, 1.75%, 1.75%, 1.75%. We have proposed a three year term with a 4% wage increase in the first year and 3% in each remaining year of the agreement. We reminded the employer that there have been many successes and that BCAA continues to prosper since the previous round of bargaining three years ago. We took the opportunity to remind them of the overall growth of BCAA over the past four years, including the growth of the membership, EVO, Auto Service Centres, Service Locations, and of RACC itself, to name a few.

We also took the opportunity to remind the employer that the cost of living continues to go up and that their proposed wage increase did not keep pace with the forecasted rates of inflation to come over the term of this agreement. The employer was not moved by this information and did not adjust their offer, which we are disappointed with. As negotiations came to a close on Thursday, BCAA indicated that they were still working on reviewing our proposed terms of agreement and was not prepared to respond further that day. We have agreed to reconvene negotiations in January and have tentatively set aside January 20 & 21. We look forward to receiving BCAA’s adjusted offer at that time which properly reflects the value that you bring to the employer every day.

If you have any questions, please speak with a member of your bargaining committee.

In solidarity,

Carrie Michels, Executive Councillor
Darshan Andrews, Job Steward

Natalie Hoedel, Job Steward
Trevor Hansen, Union Representative