Inside and outside workers of the municipality of Notre-Dame-des-Prairies, in Quebec, have a new five-year collective agreement. The official signing between municipal representatives and CUPE 4273 took place Monday morning.
The agreement includes total salary increases of 12% for all employees, as well as a re-evaluation of some positions. This new agreement also provides for the implementation of the FTQ Member-funded Pension Plan (RRFS-FTQ). Total employer-employee contributions will be 14% of salary per year.
In addition, there are improvements to the allowances for childcare and work clothes and boots. A letter of agreement was signed to address significant issues with the wage structure and pay equity; a joint committee will begin meeting in September 2019.
“Even though it took 14 months to reach a settlement, the tone at the table remained respectful and we got a good contract. This agreement should ensure labour peace for the next four years,” according to Mario Lamontagne, CUPE representative.
“Local president, Hugo St-Jean, and Louise Bernier, from the union bargaining committee, have done an exemplary job. They stayed focussed on getting the best settlement possible for the members they represented,” he added.
On May 4, the 15 employees voted 86% in favour of the tentative agreement. The agreement was reached in conciliation on April 18. The local requested conciliation in November 2016 after being without a contract since December 31, 2015.