CUPE is pleased to announce the signing of the first collective agreement for employees of the Maliseet Viger First Nation in Cacouna, near Rivière-du-Loup, Quebec.
Negotiations were sometimes difficult and took place during a period of major political change. Nonetheless, the talks wrapped up in early May and culminated in a respectable 7-year agreement, retroactive to November 1, 2015.
The 12 employees will receive an average salary increase of 2% per year, in addition to an annual increase in the pay scale. The parties will establish a defined benefit pension plan and group insurance, as well as the standard clauses to ensure respect and fair working conditions.
About half of the employees are also members of the Maliseet Viger First Nation.
“We are extremely pleased with the outcome of the negotiations for these workers, who include a number of young people and women. They have shown tremendous courage over the past two years. This represents a big change in the workplace,” said Yanick Proulx, union representative.