The fate of Mile One Centre in St. John’s is looking somewhat more secure, with the signing of a new, three-year deal by Local 569-01.
The 569-01 membership voted 96% in favour of the agreement which contains a 4% retroactive increase dating back to July 2007, another 4% retroactive to July of this year and an additional 2% starting July 2009 for a total increase of 10%.
Tanya Haywood, General Manager of St. John’s Sports and Entertainment Ltd. (SJSEL), says, “The Board of Directors are very pleased with the overwhelming show of support by the union membership. This agreement is a sign of the united effort by management and the union to help Mile One Centre reach its goal of becoming the premier venue for sports and entertainment in Atlantic Canada.”
CUPE NL. President Wayne Lucas says, “Hopefully this agreement will help secure a major tenant so the facility can be utilized to its full potential.”
In January of this year, the St. John’s Fog Devils hockey team was sold to a Quebec company, leaving the municipally-owned facility without an anchor tenant.
CUPE Local 569-01 represents power engineers, maintenance staff, office staff, box office staff and conversion crews.