Delta's unionized workforce has a new president. Jennifer Clarke won the presidency of CUPE Local 454 in a membership vote last month, replacing Darryl Robison, who did not run again. Her only challenger for the two-year term was John Gibson.
A Tsawwassen resident, Clarke is an eightyear employee for the Corporation of Delta, currently working in the legal services department.
She told the Optimist she decided to run for the presidency to provide a new voice as well as make a difference.
The union represents more than 850 civic employees. It also represents civilians at the Delta Police Department and Delta Museum and Archives employees, although contract negotiations with those workers are held separately.
The local last reached a contract with the Corporation of Delta in December 2012 after being without one for a year.
The current deal expires in 2015, but Clarke and her negotiating team are hoping to start bargaining well before then.
"We are anticipating a fair and equitable collective agreement," said Clarke.
She said there are several outstanding issues that need to be resolved, but a number of grievance files have to be dealt with in the meantime.
Last month's membership vote also saw Tamara Laza acclaimed as vice-president.
