GRANDE PRAIRIE – The union representing sixty employees of Aquatera, the City’s water and waste utility, has ratified a new two-year contract.
The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) and Aquatera have signed off on a deal that raises wages by an 8.25% over two years and provides market adjustments to recognize the increased cost of living and increased competitiveness with the private sector.
CUPE Local 787 President Randy Wald said he is pleased with the deal, saying it will retain and recruit employees during a time when labour shortages make keeping staff difficult.
“Keeping our water clean and safe is an important job,” said Wald. “It takes a combination of experienced steady hands and bright new hires. To attract and retain these skills you need to offer family supporting wages. This deal does that.”
The new contract, the first in which Aquatera employees bargained separately from City employees, also includes improvements to bereavement leave and health care benefits.
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Contact: Randy Wald, President CUPE 787 - 780.814.9087