Union leaders were tight-lipped Friday evening as to whether they would recommend a mediator's proposed settlement aimed at ending the Vancouver civic strike.

The strike began July 20.

Mediator Brian Foley's recommendations included a 17.5 per cent pay hike over five years and a $1,000 signing bonus.

Some CUPE members said Friday afternoon they are in favour of mediator Brian Foley's recommendations, but others are not.
(CBC)

CUPE Local 391, representing some 800 library workers, was set to vote on Sunday. CUPE Local 15 and Local 1004, representing over 5,300 inside and outside workers, were scheduled to vote Monday and Tuesday.

Union leaders told CBC News Friday night they would only comment after the voting was completed.

It's expected Vancouver city council and the GVRD Labour Relations Bureau will vote on Wednesday.

If all parties accept the recommendations, workers could be back on the job next week.

Proposed settlement sent out Friday morning

The 39-page proposed settlement went out to both sides in the dispute Friday morning. CBC News also obtained a copy of the recommendations Friday morning.

The 17.5 per cent wage increase over a five-year term is the same wage hike already accepted by other Metro Vancouver municipalities such as the District of North Vancouver and Richmond.

Under the proposed deal, workers would not suffer any loss of seniority, and would not lose any vacation pay or sick pay as a result of the strike.

On the major issue of contracting out, Foley has recommended the city give the union six months notice if it intends to contract out. The city would have the ability to contract out work, but not without making provisions for workers who might be displaced. The city would have to offer to retrain workers, or offer them severance or retirement alternatives.

Foley has also recommended the city enact the whistleblower legislation that has been passed in principle by city council.

On the issue of pay equity for library workers, Foley has recommended an increase of one pay grade for some categories of library workers.

Foley said this set of negotiations ranks among the most difficult, challenging, complicated and emotional settlements he has mediated in his career.

Whether the proposed deal will actually be approved by the unions and the city will depend on several upcoming votes on both sides. The mediator's recommendations are non-binding. Either side could choose to reject them.

Talks stalled over job security, layoffs

Foley was one of two mediators appointed Sept. 17 to try to find a solution to the strike. The other mediator, Debbie Cameron, is no longer involved in the process.

Talks in the strike have been stalled over issues including contracting out, layoffs and job security.

The outside workers walked off the job on July 20, halting residential garbage pickup and other services. The inside workers joined the strike on July 23.

The city's library staff went on strike the same week, closing 22 library branches.