L'Ancienne-Lorette et les municipalités environnantes. Photo Wikimedia Commons Employees of the Town of Ancienne-Lorette near Quebec City have ratified their new collective agreement. At a general membership meeting last Friday night, the members of CUPE 4790 voted 58 percent in favour of the tentative agreement.

The union includes outside workers, staff at sports and aquatics facilities and crossing guards. Their new five-year contract runs from January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2025. Wage increases over the agreement total 11.5 percent. For each of the last two years the increases could rise by up to 2.5 percent depending on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

Other aspects of the agreement include the creation of four new regular positions, adjustments to salary classes for some job titles, hikes in various premiums, increased job security, improvements to clauses dealing with work-related clothing and the addition of a progressive retirement scheme. Moreover, the parties agreed to review building maintenance services to bring tasks that have been contracted out back in house.

“Our members showed solidarity and determination throughout these negotiations. Their message that municipal employees have to be valued to prevent workforce turnover and provide quality services to the public did get through. The low ratification percentage can be explained by the fact that we were unfortunately not able negotiate payment for the noon hour period,” said CUPE union representative Mario Jean.