SCRD and Unifor Local 466 Reach Tentative Collective Agreement

The Sunshine Coast Regional District and Unifor Local 466 are pleased to jointly announce that the parties arrived at a new tentative Collective Agreement on Friday, November 3, 2023, and will be recommending ratification in the coming days.

The parties exchanged draft proposals on October 19, 2023, and arrived at the table on October 30 to begin negotiating in earnest.

“The new Agreement paves the way for years of stability, addresses concerns about inflation, and serves to reflect the culture of the SCRD, promoting its objective of attracting and retaining top talent in a challenging market,” says SCRD Board Chair, Leonard Lee.

A detailed review of the revised terms and conditions will be occurring with members of Unifor Local 466 and with the SCRD Board as they consider the joint recommendation from both negotiating committees to ratify the new agreement.

“We had a productive bargain and made good gains for our members, including some real positive changes for our Transit operators,” says Unifor Local 466 President Gary Grohs.

Bryce Viitanen, spokesperson for the union, adds, “I want to thank the SCRD bargaining team for coming to the table ready to make a deal that recognizes the difficult economy and challenges facing workers on the Sunshine Coast.”

“I personally want to thank Bryce Viitanen, Chief Spokesperson for Unifor Local 466, and to all that were involved.  I’m also very appreciative of the efforts from the management team and for the support from the SCRD Senior Leadership Team and the Board of Directors,” says Gerry Parker, Senior Manager, Human Resources, and the Chief Spokesperson for the SCRD. “There were many complex issues to address, and it truly took the whole team on both sides to work towards an outcome that we think is beneficial for all involved.”

The collective agreement will be addressed by the SCRD Board on November 23, 2023.

Media contacts:
Bryce Viitanen,
Chief Spokesperson, Unifor Local 466
brycev@unifor466.ca
604-740-2448

Gerry Parker,
Senior Manager, Human Resources, and the Chief Spokesperson for the SCRD
gerry.parker@scrd.ca