CUPE 2262 members can return to work after nearly eight weeks of striking.
The union signed the deal on December 23, but four members of city council were out of town and therefore could not sign the deal until today. Law states that council can not call, Skype or write in their votes and Councillor Bruno Tassone — being an ex-union member — could not vote either.
Council and union are both pleased to see the strike end and are eager to have both sides working as intended very soon
The City released this press release on December 31.
The City of Castlegar Council has approved a new six year agreement between the City and its CUPE Local 2262 employees this morning. Mayor Chernoff said, “I thank Council for its resolve in achieving a deal that is fair and respectful to the employees and to the residents and businesses of Castlegar.” Mayor Chernoff added, “We look forward to our employees returning to work. We recognize that this has been difficult on our employees, citizens and business community. I am pleased that Council kept in view the best interests of our community over other considerations.”
The new agreement is a six year term retroactive to February 2013 and includes a 10.3% total wage increase over 6 years. Specifically it provides a 35 cent-per-hour increase for the first year followed by annual wage increases of 1.5 per cent, 1.5 per cent, 2 per cent, 2 per cent and 2 per cent respectively. It also includes a 15 hour per month cap on City paid time for union investigation and settling of union grievances, improved benefits, an expedited grievance review process and a commitment by both sides to discuss a future relationship enhancement program if either side wishes to discuss. Job security language as recommended originally by the mediator in November was placed into a Letter of Understanding to the Collective Agreement.
