Bargaining meetings began early in 2022, but the municipality continues to refuse to establish a new wage classification with the current rates from 2022.

The members also gave their union executive a mandate to proceed with the full array of pressure tactics needed to prompt the employer to take corrective action.

“In a regional county municipality where wages are lower than those offered by comparable employers, it would be normal for an employer to agree to a classification with updated rates to ensure equitable treatment of the group of employees,” says CUPE representative Mario Jean.

The twenty or so members have been without a contract since January 1, 2023.