CUPE 882 members representing the inside workers at the City of Prince Albert have voted 81% in favour of accepting the tentative agreement.
Mira Lewis, CUPE National Representative said “Despite the city’s mind games, we were able to reach a deal with real improvements for our members. These gains clearly show what we said in the beginning: if you sit down and talk with the union you can reach an agreement that works for both sides.”
Some highlights of the tentative agreement include:
- Improved working conditions by piloting a 5-4-5-4 work schedule
- Putting more money into the hands of workers by no longer charging fees for mandatory recertification
- Another $0.40/ hour monetary bump for the lowest paid classifications that are near minimum wage
- Staggering the 11% wage increase every six months to provide members with regular increases
- Vision care for the first time
- EFAP coverage for casual workers
- A market supplement program for hard to recruit classifications
- A commitment for a comprehensive scope review
The union will remain on strike until the city ratifies the agreement, and a return to work agreement has been negotiated.
“We hope that City Council will hold a special meeting immediately, and not drag their feet by waiting until the December 11 council meeting. Our members are eager to return to providing services for the citizens of Prince Albert,” said Cara Stelmaschuk, Vice President of CUPE 882. “We also want to thank the public for their ongoing support. It meant the world to us and made these improvements possible.”
