CUPE 1910, representing blue-collar workers with the Town of Témiscaming public works department, have unanimously voted in favour of a tentative agreement that solidifies employee recruitment and retention.
The five-year contract calls for annual increases, starting with an added two dollars per hour for all employees, which is close to seven per cent for 2022, subsequent increases of three per cent for 2023 and 2024, along with two per cent for each of the last two years.
“Negotiations went quite well, and it only took three meetings to reach an agreement. The tone and respect at the bargaining table was noticed and appreciated. The employer clearly bet on their in-house expertise,” says Julia Coleman, President of CUPE 1910.
Other gains included more vacation days and personal leave. In addition, a summer schedule was established, and employees can now accumulate overtime to take an added week of leave.
The collective agreement will be signed shortly.