Warning message

Please note that this page is from our archives. There may be more up-to-date content about this topic on our website. Use our search engine to find out.
NELSON, B.C. Municipal workers in Nelson reached a tentative agreement on January 9, after forcing the employer to abandon its demands for sick leave reductions and other concessions. The 80-member bargaining unit ratified the two-year deal, reached with the assistance of a mediator, on January 13.

CUPE Local President Bev Lapointe says the local’s titanium strike mandate (endorsed by 96% of the membership) provided important motivation for the employer to settle.

Lapointe says she is proud of the membership’s strong opposition to the employer’s efforts to eliminate job security and reduce sick leave benefits.

The local president says the membership also “acknowledged the employer’s serious financial situation,” by agreeing to no wage increase in 2002 and only a 2.5% increase in 2003. “We wanted to do our part to help the city through these tough times.”

However, she is disappointed with the length of the contract. “We were hoping to negotiate a three year agreement, as it would have provided more stability for our members, especially those who have been with the city for many years.

The two-year agreement, retroactive to January 1, 2002, expires at the end of this year.

As a result, Lapointe expects at this time next year, they will once again be at the bargaining table.

- 30 -

Contact: Bev Lapointe at 354-2737.