A small Nova Scotia local has signed a new contract with increases totalling 14.5% over four years. The 8%, 4.5%, 1% and 1% agreement covers seven public works employees for the Town of Port Hawkesbury in Cape Breton.
The members of CUPE local 2434 will also get a cost of living adjustment in the final two years of the contract if inflation warrants.
The settlement is one of the first negotiated following a prolonged period of wage restraint and contract rollbacks in Nova Scotia. The contracts of more than 140 CUPE locals across the province expired simultaneously on Oct. 31. Most are returning to the bargaining table for the first time since 1991.