PENTICTON, BC—The City of Penticton and CUPE 608, municipal workers, have reached a four-year agreement that has been ratified by both parties. The agreement was reached on Sunday, February 27 after four solid days of bargaining. City Council ratified the agreement on Wednesday, with CUPE 608 members following suit yesterday evening.
The four-year contract includes a signing bonus of $300 in lieu of a wage increase in 2010, wage increases of one per cent on April 1 for the next three years, plus improvements to benefits and language. CUPE Local 608 members will continue operation of the community centre, parking enforcement and RCMP Guards for the term of this agreement.
“This was a hard fought agreement,” says CUPE 608 president Patti Finch. “We’re happy to move forward and continue providing quality public services to Penticton residents.”
Bargaining was held at the same time mayor and council were considering privatization of Penticton’s Community Centre. The City shelved their plans to consider privatization for at least the next three years.
“Residents of Penticton sent a clear message that public services should stay public,” says CUPE 608 president Patti Finch. “We appreciate the community’s support over the last weeks and months.”
The contract will be in effect until December 31, 2013. It covers 178 municipal workers who provide services in Penticton – including support for the RCMP, services at City Hall, public works (road maintenance, water system, sewer system and landfill), as well as parks and recreation and operation of the community centre.
For more information, please contact:
Vicky Smith
CUPE National Representative
250-212-9669
Janet Szliske
CUPE Communications Representative
604-454-7293