Residents of Longueuil will be able to enjoy public pools this summer without a worry. The amalgamated unions of municipal employees (SREM CUPE 306), which represent lifeguards and aquatic sector personnel in Longueuil, have reached a tentative agreement to renew their collective agreement. Members voted unanimously in favour of the agreement at a virtual meeting last night.
The previous contract expired on December 31, 2020. The new six-year contract provides calls for minimum wage hikes totalling 15.75%, and several clauses will increase wages up to an additional 1% should the Consumer Price Index (CPI) increase in 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026.
Moreover, several premiums were negotiated, and when the collective agreement is signed, employees will receive a lump sum of 2% of wages earned for 2021 and 2022 respectively. The annual advancement of wage increments and the guarantee of paid programmed hours for the entire year also marked significant gains for the membership.
As for non-monetary issues, the parties agreed to prepare letters of understanding to review, in particular, the evaluation plan, wage structure, pay equity plan of lifeguards and the pension plan.
Other gains include improvements to hours devoted to swimming and lifeguard course preparations and to time for union business.