GRAND FORKS – Grand Forks public library workers unanimously ratified a new three-year collective agreement Saturday. The five members of CUPE 2254 voted to accept the recommendations of provincial mediator Mark Atkinson.
The workers were locked out January 20 and returned to work two months ago under their existing contract after the Board agreed to resume mediation. The agreement must still be ratified by the Grand Forks Library Board, which could take place at a scheduled meeting Wednesday evening.
The recommendations are for a three-year contract with wage increases of two, two-and-a-half and three percent, respectively. The employers share of benefits payments increase from 50 per cent to 75 per cent. Protects seniority rights and Job description language is protected and Atkinson wants a joint committee to set personal and sexual harassment policy and procedures with the help of CUPE national equality representative Conni Kilfoil.
CUPE 2254 bargaining committee member Leanne Strang said the 2254 members are pleased with the recommendations. “This has been a comprehensive process where the issues for both sides have been addressed. For us, the priority has always been to get a fair collective agreement and focus on serving our community.”
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Contact: Rob Hewitt, CUPE national servicing representative 250.859.1963
Murray Bush, CUPE national communications representative 778.554.2234