The members of Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 108 Unit 1, outside municipal workers for Halifax Regional Municipality, voted to accept a new two-year contract today.

The ratified collective agreement includes wage increases of 1.5% each year of the contract, some benefit improvements for seasonal workers, and increased hourly premiums for winter works.

The new contract is in effect from November 1, 2015 to October 31, 2017.

“Although we had to go through a lengthy conciliation process to reach an agreement, we’re pleased that our members were able to make some gains,” says CUPE 108 President Mark Cunningham.

“More importantly, we successfully pushed back concessions to our pension plan.”

CUPE 108, Halifax Civic Workers, are outside workers employed by the Halifax Regional Municipality. There are over 300 members in Unit 1 including labourers, facility maintainers, gardeners, utility workers, storepersons, traffic sign and marking technicians, painters, building trades persons, fleet trades persons, engine room operators, chief plant operators, and plant operators including arena, rink, and pool.