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WINNIPEGMore than 170 members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees voted last night to accept a three-year agreement with the River East School Division.

The deal calls for a 7 % wage increase 2.5% a year over three years starting January 1st of this year. It also includes adjustments of five cents an hour over and above the general increase in each of the three years for cleaners and custodians.

“Our members are happy with this contract,” Local 3745 President Bob Caithness said. “Its one of the better settlements weve had and brings our wages closer to what workers in other school divisions are making.”

The CUPE members work as cleaners, custodians, maintenance and courier workers for the River East School Division. Many have had their jobs change during the past few years with the introduction of new technology and computer use.

CUPE staff representative Stephen Edwards said the deal is a good one.

“Its about time these members gained some ground after years of Filmon days and inflation taking a bite out of their salaries,” he said.

Edwards said the River East School Division agreement is also a positive sign for other CUPE members who have been waiting to better their wages.

The settlement also includes improvements in benefits and bereavement leave.

CUPE is Canadas largest union representing 480,000 women and men. In Manitoba, CUPE has 23,000 members who work in health care, emergency services, education, municipalities, social services, libraries, and utilities.

For more information, contact:
Bob Caithness, President, CUPE Local 3745
Phone: 795-7697
Stephen Edwards, CUPE representative
Phone: 942-0343 ex. 212

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