RICHMOND – A tentative agreement has been reached between the City of Richmond and Richmond’s 1,250 civic workers. The agreement was ratified by council last night and will be ratified by the unionized workers, represented by CUPE 394 and CUPE 718 on Wednesday, July 25th and Thursday, July 26th, 2007.
“This agreement shows that where there is a will to bargain, there is a way to a contract,” says Robin Jones, CUPE National Representative and Chief Negotiator for the workers. “We are an Olympic host city, we have Olympic venues…this agreement shines a light on what is possible when there is a desire by the employer to also bargain a fair agreement.”
Jones says the Union is recommending ratification of the agreement.
No details of the agreement will be disclosed until Richmond CUPE members have had a chance to vote on the tentative agreement.
CUPE 394 represents 350 outside workers employed at Richmond’s public works yard, parks and recycling depot. CUPE 718 represents 900 inside workers at city hall, community centres, and swimming pools.
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Contact: Robin Jones, CUPE National Representative: (604)314-6586
Diane Kalen, CUPE Communications: (778)229-0258