HALIFAX The 1,600 members of the Nova Scotia Highway Workers Union have voted to accept a new, three-year deal with the provincial government.
CUPE Local 1867 President Gareth Drinnan says, The votes were counted today, and our members accepted it by 77%. More than 80% of the bargaining unit cast ballots.
Highlights of the new, three-year deal include:
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Wage increases of .44 cents an hour as of November 1, 2002; .45 cents an hour as of November 1, 2003; and .46 cents an hour as of November 1, 2004
- A job classification review during the remainder of the contract
- A process for protecting members in the event of municipal street exchange
- A letter of understanding with a commitment to avoid layoffs in the event of contracting out
- Strengthening of existing workgroup seniority
- Strengthened language on candidate selection
- Sharing of overtime rules have been clarified
- 1% in lieu of benefits for casual employees
The members of CUPE Local 1867 had been without a contract for more than two years.
For information:
Gareth Drinnan, President, CUPE Local 1867 - (902) 832-1867 (o)
Robert Chisholm, CUPE National Rep. - (902) 478-4484 (cell) - (902) 499-5794 (Cell)
John McCracken, CUPE Communications Rep. - (902) 455-4180 (o)