Two of three unions representing striking municipal workers in Vancouver recommended Sunday that its members reject a mediator's proposed settlement, according to a newspaper report.

The Vancouver Sun reported that CUPE Locals 1004 and 391, which represent 1,800 outside employees and 800 library workers, respectively, are being urged to reject the deal that would end the three-month strike.

But CUPE Local 15, which represents 3,500 inside workers at Vancouver City Hall, is urging members to vote for the deal on Monday and Tuesday.

On Friday morning, mediator Brian Foley sent his recommendations to both sides, proposing that workers receive a 17.5 per cent pay hike over five years and a $1,000 signing bonus.

Some of the picketing workers told CBC news over the weekend that they consider Foley's recommendations a "slap in the face."

Local 1004 and 391 members are scheduled to vote Tuesday. Members of Local 15 will vote Monday and Tuesday.

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.

Deal calls for no seniority loss

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 lose any 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.