PNE bargaining begins

Members of the PNE bargaining team (left to right): Gerry Wong, Max Harrison, Ron Pizzolon, Giovanni Cianelli, Deborah Skerry, Dennis Donnelly, Rob Froescher

VANCOUVER - Members of CUPE Local 1004 and the Pacific National Exhibition have begun bargaining for a new collective agreement.

The current agreement expired on December 31, 2013.

CUPE National Representative Bill Pegler said that in this round of bargaining the union is seeking a fair contract with wage increases and improved equity among different groups of workers, whether they are full-time, part-time or seasonal.

Pegler said that the parties have scheduled a number of bargaining dates beginning June 27 and continuing through to mid-August. He hopes significant progress can be made.

CUPE represents about 3,600 workers at the PNE. They work in Playland, on the PNE site, at the Pacific Coliseum and in the other PNE buildings. Members at the PNE and Playland include ushers, ticket takers, security, bartenders, ice makers, carpenters, painters, gardeners, mechanics, plumbers, labourers, concession employees, ride technicians, ride operators, games operators, cleaners, administrative workers, parking employees and many others. 

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