FRIDAY
S I N C E
NOVEMBER 22, 2013
1 8 9 5
Vol. 118, Issue 185
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Plan to cover wage increases still under wraps BY ART HARRISON Times Staff
One question went unanswered during the School District 20 board meeting on Monday in Trail. Andy Davidoff, president of the Kootenay Columbia Teachers Union (KCTU), posed a question regarding the board’s plan regarding funding the government negotiated wage increase for SD 20 non-teaching Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) members. It was deferred by board chair, Darrel Ganzert, for later discussion. “The savings plan is not written in stone,” said Ganzert. “We didn’t want to needlessly concern people in the education system.” Davidoff later expressed his frustration at the lack of response to his questions to the future funding issue. “The government downloaded the CUPE wage settlement onto the local boards,” he said. “But we want to know where they’re cutting and why is it a secret.” The Provincial Framework Agreement was reached between provincial government negotiators and CUPE non-teaching education workers which committed local school boards to provide for a 1 percent retroactive wage increase from July 1, 2012, as well as an additional 2 per cent on Feb. 1, 2014, and 0.5 per cent on May 1, 2014 with no increase to their existing funding from the province. School districts around B.C. were required to provide budgets funding the wage increases for the current year by mid-October and complete plans to fund the remainder of the contract in December. “We provided the government with a long term plan. Some one-time savings, some long term. Things like savings on our telephone networks,” said Ganzert. “But to find long term savings when 89 per cent of the budget goes to wages and benefits, it’s impossible not to look at that. “The reason we haven’t said anything is nothing is finalized yet. Rather than striking fear into the hearts of staff we wanted to wait until the budget is finalized. Until we know exactly where it’s going we’re not releasing any speculation,” Ganzert explained. Although Davidoff’s primary focus is on protecting the interests of his local’s membership he acknowledged the position of local boards in finding the funding to maintain educational standards. “The government told boards to prepare savings plans without cutting back on core services but where can they cut?” said Davidoff. See EDUCATION, Page 3
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Dolly Pressacco has spent the last 10 years ringing bells and singing when necessary this time of year to remind Greater Trail residents tis the season for giving.
The sound of giving rings in Trail Christmas Kettle Campaign launches BY VALERIE ROSSI Times Staff
Festive cheer started in Trail this week with the Salvation Army's annual Christmas Kettle Campaign launching Thursday at Ferraro Foods. Volunteers are ringing in donations for the campaign that aims to raise money and awareness for the continued need for social service pro-
grams and resources for vulnerable individuals. Considered Canada's largest and most recognizable annual charitable event, the campaign keeps all dollars in the community where the dollars are raised. Last year about $30,000 was raised for Greater Trail and this year Major Wilf Harbin is hoping to top up funds with a goal of $33,000. “We wouldn't be able to do it without our volunteers,” he
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said. Dolly Pressacco is one of the 100 locals signed up to bring cheer this year. “I'll be ringing a bell and singing Christmas carols if I have to,” said Pressacco, who has spent the last 10 years helping with the local campaign. The Trail woman spent 32 years working at Shoppers Drug Mart in Trail before clocking out as a cashier and in as a dedicated volunteer. See DONATIONS, Page 8
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