The union representing Trois-Rivières inside workers (CUPE 3423), which represents 517 inside workers and professionals, has been negotiating since January 1, 2023, to renew its collective agreement. Needless to say, the employer and the workers are still far apart.
The parties have held 28 bargaining meetings, 2 mediation sessions, 6 meetings on the pension plan and another 17 relating to the evaluation plan submitted in December 2022. Unfortunately, all of these efforts have not been enough to produce an agreement.
The parties are still attempting to come to an agreement on wages, the pension plan, group insurance and even the job evaluation plan that is intended to ensure that everyone is paid fairly and equitably based on a pre-established curve.
“An actuary prepared a comprehensive compensation report comparing wages paid by the City with comparables, in partnership with the employer. We’re working with the same figures, but the employer is not making optimal use of this data,” said Patricia Larouche, president of CUPE 3423.
Though inflation has just begun to recede, the cost of living is still high, and employees who have not received a pay hike for two years, it is a steep hill to climb. During this time, the City has encountered recruiting and retention issues, as staff turnover has been steady.
Earlier in 2023, Trois-Rivières city councillors negotiated a 26% increase.
“We don’t begrudge city councillors getting a pay hike, but we think that what’s good for them is also good for all City employees. The cost of living has been going up for everyone,” said Larouche.