After nearly a year of negotiations, cumulating with a two-day strike, support workers represented by CUPE and the BCGEU at eleven BC colleges and institutes reached a tentative agreement with the Post-Secondary Employers' Association in the early morning hours of February 25.

Three Vancouver Island college locals were involved in negotiations for the first provincial "Common Agreement" for support workers across the sector. Previous agreements for Local 1858 (Malaspina-University College), Local 2081 (Camosun College) and Local 3479 (North Island College) expired nearly two years ago.

The 4-year agreement will expire March 31, 2002, and provides for a 2% wage increase in the 3rd year (April 1, 2000), as well as an increase in the 4th year linked to that achieved by faculty. Limited benefits improvements were also realised, as well as Accord agreements involving a review of pension plans, analysis of factors contributing to workplace stress and resultant sick leaves, and the establishment of professional development initiatives.

Both the local and provincial agreements must be ratified as a "package". Despite disappointment about not achieving certain bargaining objectives, including the completion of pay equity for two institutions and payment of benefit premiums for part-time workers, the unions will recommend acceptance of the agreement. Ratification votes will be scheduled across the province as locals conclude local bargaining.