New agreement gives workers 12% wage increases, benefit improvements
MEDICINE HAT After a year of sometimes contentious bargaining, the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) and the Palliser Health Region have reached a settlement.
The four-year deal, ratified by an 86% vote of CUPE members yesterday, includes 12% wage increases over the length of the agreement. Other highlights of the deal include:
- Upgrading the dental plan to the current fee schedule, including automatic upgrades.
- Improvements to overtime pay, and weekend shift premiums
- Two personal leave days per year. Improved access to bereavement time for employees
CUPE Local 189 President Colleen Morrison was happy with the deal, and said it shows the union was right to not accept concessions.
Palliser had wanted our members to accept a lower wage offer and concessions, said Morrison. We chose to hold our ground, and it paid off.
We now have a deal that employees and management are happy with so we can get on with the job of providing quality health care to the community.
CUPE represents approximately 500 general support employees at Palliser.
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