HARRISON HOT SPRINGS— Municipal workers in the Village of Harrison Hot Springs recently settled a collective agreement with the Village. Following council ratification in early October, CUPE 458 membership ratified the three-year contract on October 16th. The new agreement will be in effect until December 31, 2010.
“The climate at the bargaining table reflected the strong desire, by both parties, to reach a deal and get to the business of providing quality services to the residents of Harrison,” said Elaine Heistad, CUPE bargaining committee chair. “We look forward to putting the difficulties of the past few years behind us and moving forward to harmonious labor relations.”
The new deal allows for 3 per cent in the first year, 3.5 per cent in the second year and 4 per cent in the third and final year. Included in the package are improvements to dental, vision care and the direct pay drug card, along with cost allowances for safety equipment.
The contract also includes an employer commitment to work with the CUPE 458 on two issues: establishing a modified work-week that would bring greater flexibility to work hours and instituting whistleblower protection to defend employees who report wrong-doing from reprisals.
CUPE 458 represents inside and outside municipal workers in Harrison Hot Springs who provide public and municipal services including parks and recreation, public works, landscaping and horticulture, sanitation, water and waste water and municipal administration.