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BrandonMembers of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) last night and this morning voted 83% in favour of accepting their private employers final offer at Hillcrest Nursing Home.

The agreement includes a 10% wage increase over three years. The CUPE members had voted in favour of a strike after Hillcrests owner Mel Fages refused to budge on his previous offer of a 7% wage increase. The additional 3% is to address pay equity issues.

“Were happy that this agreement will narrow the wage gap between our members wages and other nursing homes, particularly public sector ones,” said Phyllis Denbow, President of CUPE Local 2526.

CUPE representative Wayne Smith said the 3% pay equity increase will be 1% May 1, 2000 and 2% May 1, 2001 on top of a wage increase of 3%, 2% and 2% effective from May 1, 1999.

The agreement, reached with the help of a conciliation officer, includes full retroactivity for the contract which expired April 30th last year.

The CUPE members work as personal care aides, laundry, housekeeping and dietary employees. Local 2526 has 100 members who work at Hillcrest Place Nursing Home.

For more information, please contact:
Phyllis Denbow, President
CUPE Local 2526
Hillcrest Place Nursing Home, Brandon
Ph: 727-8740 (home)
Wayne Smith, CUPE Staff Representative
Brandon office: 725-8881

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