On November 16, 2023, CUPE 1965, which represents eight maintenance and operations technicians, signed a new collective agreement with the Régie intermunicipale de l’eau potable Varennes, Sainte-Julie et Saint-Amable.
The members voted 88% in favour of accepting the agreement negotiated by the parties at a general meeting last October 4.
The 8-year contract, which runs from 2022 to 2028, calls for a total wage increase of 18.25 per cent, more union leave days, and the addition of a floating holiday.
Various premiums were negotiated, including trainer and service premiums. The latter will mean that employees will receive an indexable amount of $30 per year of service.
“Negotiations were lengthy, but proceedings were productive and respectful. Our goal was to provide better working conditions to members while at the same time improving service to the public. We were able to accomplish both,” says CUPE representative Caroline Labelle.
The mission of the Régie intermunicipale de l’eau potable Varennes, Sainte-Julie et Saint-Amable is to provide excellent quality drinking water on the territory of the three towns.