"Are union employees paid too much? No. Everyone is deserving of a wage that dignifies their labour. Is the BC SPCA's battle with the unionized employees just about money? That will be known when the currently broke BC SPCA has the money to pay its underpaid non-union employees more than the disgraceful wages they currently get. If it does not substantially raise those wages when it has the money, that will give the appearance that the BC SPCA is just union-busting over money, not over behaviour."

"To: Branch Managers (please distribute to all staff)

SAPOs

1245 & 1205 Staff

From: Craig Daniell, CEO

Re: Salary Increases for Hourly Staff

Date: February 12, 2004

Memo # 2004-022-CEO

At its meeting held on Saturday, February 7, 2004, the Board of Directors of the BC SPCA approved the 2004 operating budget for the Society. While particulars of the budget itself will be conveyed to branches under cover of a separate memo, I did want to take the opportunity to announce that the Board of Directors approved a 2% wage increase for all non-unionized hourly staff (regular full time and regular part time) throughout the province. The increase took effect February 9, 2004.

Despite the financial challenges facing the Society the Board felt it was a priority to bring the non-union hourly wages up to par and to demonstrate its commitment and support to shelter employees who are currently at the lowest end of our salary scale. The 2% increase does not apply to branch managers, provincial office staff or non-union casual or contract employees. In 2004 unionized staff in the province received increases as per previously negotiated collective agreements (3% for staff in Victoria, 2% for staff in Prince George and 1.6% for staff in the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley).

I know that SPCA staff throughout the province – in our shelters and in the provincial office – work incredibly hard to carry out their duties on behalf of the animals. We are keenly aware of the importance of retaining and supporting the wonderful staff that we have in this organization and we will continue to explore ways to provide the best possible working environment for our staff.

Sincerely,

Craig J. Daniell, Chief Executive Officer and
General Manager of Cruelty Investigations"