CUPE 2450 and the Village of Nakusp have ratified a new five-year agreement after more than 28 months of negotiations.

Sixteen of 23 eligible voters attended the ratification meeting Monday, and 75 per cent of members voted in favour of the tentative agreement.

“This has been a long and challenging round of negotiations,” says CUPE 2450 President Andy Cruden. “However, we are pleased to finally have a new agreement in place and we are now prepared to focus our attention on rebuilding our working relationship with the Village.”

The five-year agreement runs from August 1, 2016 to July 31, 2020 and includes wage increases of 1.5 per cent, 1.5 per cent, 1.75 per cent, 2 per cent and 2 per cent in each year of the agreement.

CUPE 2450 represents approximately 23 members who provide community services to residents and businesses in Nakusp.