Last night, workers with the Town of Val-d’Or, represented by CUPE 128, voted 91% in favour of accepting the tentative agreement reached with the town. The contract, which runs from December 1, 2022 to November 30, 2029, calls for a wage hike of no less than 21.5% along with the incorporation of a new salary scale to take effect on December 1, 2024. This will give a further boost to the incomes of certain workers.
Some of the negotiated gains include improvements to the working conditions of probationary, temporary, seasonal and part-time employees along with enhancements to floating leave, premiums and group insurance. Furthermore, employees will now be covered by a preretirement clause and will qualify for additional weeks of vacation more quickly.
Talks began on May 30, 2023. In addition to the 25 days of bargaining, the union evaluated all of the job titles covered by its certification, resulting in the creation of a new salary scale.
“Both parties had a common objective, which was to enhance employee retention and give members what they need to offer top-flight services to the public. It’s mission accomplished! As we see it, the improvements to working conditions will make it possible to attract qualified candidates,” explained union representative Geneviève Carrier.