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For all the news of the Cowichan region as it happens, plus stories from around British Columbia, go to our website www.cowichannewsleader.com
Friday, September 20, 2013
CUPE deal reached, impact still unclear Labour peace for schools? CUPE rep wonders where money will come from Don Bodger
News Leader Pictorial
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Andrew Leong
Runners make their way onto Bell McKinnon Road from the Forest Discovery Centre during the annual Terry Fox Run on September 15.
Ugly Wednesday morning Highway 18 crash claims a life Peter W. Rusland
News Leader Pictorial
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man injured in Wednesday’s two-vehicle crash on Hwy. 18 died Thursday morning in hospital, police say. “I was just informed one driver was declared deceased,” Cpl. Jon Stuart, of the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP, said Thursday at around 11:25 a.m. Facebook “No names will be released at this time.” Two air ambulances attended the gruesome scene of It wasn’t clear at press time which driver this crash on Hwy 18. had died. hicle, behind one of two white pickup trucks Police have confirmed a pickup, headed that collided. eastbound from Lake Cowichan, appeared Primmer, of Chemainus’ Well Bred to have crossed the centre line, coming into Bakery, told the News Leader Pictorial the the path of a westbound truck towing a westbound truck’s driver, whom he knows, boat trailer shortly after 6 a.m. Wednesday underwent surgery at Victoria General on Hwy. 18 near Hillcrest Road. Hospital. Mark Primmer was in a westbound veRun Date: Sept 20, 2013 Duncan Newsleader (10.25" x 1.50") It’s the
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Primmer said he saw the westbound driver’s daughter sitting injured at the roadside, while a passenger from Primmer’s vehicle removed the westbound driver from the wreckage. “He was taken out of the vehicle because there was gas and oil everywhere.” The eastbound male driver was “wrapped up” in his crumpled vehicle. That driver’s male passenger was thrown clear, Primmer said. Both injured passengers have since been released from hospital, Stuart said today. “No charges yet, but the investigation is continuing,” Stuart said. Primmer said he and his friends — headed on a fishing trip to Port Renfrew with folks in the westbound truck — tried to call for help, but there was no cell-phone reception at the crash scene. more on page six
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anadian Union of Public Employees reached a tentative agreement with the B.C. Public Schools Employers’ Association, but were still sorting through the details Thursday afternoon. “We’re still going through the proposals based on what we need to know,’’ said Rob Zver, president of CUPE Local 606, which represents inside workers in Cowichan School District 79. “There is a problem that the (provincial) government is not funding the proposed wage increases.’’ How funding will be covered and to what degree budgets will be impacted was still being sorted out, Zver said during a break in meetings in Vancouver. If the province is unable to provide funding, it’s “what other areas are going to be affected that concerns me,’’ said Zver. The agreement pledges no concessions for CUPE workers, but if there are potential job losses that would change based on individual circumstances. Zver still expected proceedings to conclude Thursday. The Cowichan district is looking forward to having the situation settled, assuming everything finished according to plan. “It gives us a point we can move ahead,’’ said SD 79 secretary-treasurer Bob Harper. “That’s the biggest thing for us.’’ The district has two support unions, CUPE and the United Steelworkers. There are 298 CUPE positions plus 171 casual employees within SD 79, with 120 USW positions plus 30 casuals. The casuals fill in when there is extra work or when a permanent employee is absent. “One thing with Labour Relations, you know there will be an end to it,’’ said Harper. “We’re glad we can get to this point without job action. “There’s the stability. We certainly value the work our support employees do. We need them on our team.’’ The basis of the Provincial Framework Agreement calls for a total 3.5% wage adjustment. There’s a 1% wage increase retroactive to July 1, with another 2% raise on Feb. 1, 2014 and 0.5% on May 1, 2014. The term of the agreement runs until the end of June next year and also includes the introduction of a paydirect card for up-front drug expenses for virtually all locals. Each CUPE local will now take the provincial agreement back to its respective tables for the conclusion of collective bargaining with school districts. CUPE represents more than 27,000 education workers in the kindergarten through Grade 12 school system.
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