Successful bargaining between Rossland and the city’s union led to the inking of a four-year contract last week.
A two per cent wage increase each year, improvements in extended health benefits, bank time and contract language are included in the new agreement for 24 workers in CUPE (Canadian Union of Public Employees) Local 2087.
“I’d like to thank our bargaining committee for their hard work in reaching this deal,” said CUPE President, Jean Poole. “We had a productive and respectful round of bargaining and we look forward to serving residents and businesses in Rossland.”
Rossland Mayor Kathy Moore said CUPE negotiations went smoothly.
“The two negotiating teams did a great job representing their respective positions and yet kept the interests of the entire community at the forefront,” she added.“We have an exceptional group of dedicated city workers and this contract provides a fair compensation package for years to come.”
The contract for Local 2087 composite locals serving Rossland, Warfield and Trail, expired Feb. 28 last year.
The village settled this summer with a three-year agreement that includes a two per cent increase annually until 2018, and new contract language that defines seasonal lifeguards and other pool jobs as union positions.
Approximately 50 union members in the City of Trail have been working without a contract for almost a year.
Negotiations are continuing at this point, Trail Mayor Mike Martin confirmed Monday.
“We are hopeful we can bring this to a conclusion in the near future,” he added.
Local 2087 also encompasses Montrose and Fruitvale municipal workers, and those contracts end in 2017.