HA: Negotiation Goals

The Board of School Trustees (the “Board”) establishes  goals for  negotiations  prior to meeting with t unions.  A policy review is made, and a new policy established at that time  to direct the activities of the negotiators for the Board by providing parameters within which to negotiate.  The negotiations goals provided by the Board usually contain a statement of basic philosophy outlining a set of basic principles within which to negotiate.  Negotiators for the Board return to the Board for a mandate when an area of settlement appears to be known. 

Negotiation goals are reviewed on an  “as needed” basis because of changing legislation, economic climate, and declining enrolment. 

Negotiation goals are guided by the patterns of settlements established by other public sector employers.  Basically, the Board's position has been traditionally to achieve a fair and responsible settlement so that the wages and benefits paid by the Board closely approximate the community average rates paid for equivalent positions in the public and private sectors in the Greater Vancouver Regional District.    As with all bargaining units, the Board’s negotiating goals must be guided by its budget and influences such as the Public Education Labour Relations Act, and the B.C. Public School Employers’ Association (BCPSEA). 

DMT Responsibility: AS-HR