POWELL RIVER – CUPE 798 members met last night to approve a new agreement, avoiding a labour dispute and service disruption for the community.
“We have had a very tough round of bargaining and we are relieved that we have certainty and stability for the future. Members were very clear that the City’s aggressive concessions package was a deal breaker and we successfully pushed back on that package,” said Danielle Craigen, CUPE 798 president.
The agreement, which expires in December 2018, addresses longstanding issues of job evaluation in recognition that many jobs have historically been undervalued. It also addresses key priorities of fairness for part-time workers and protection of job security.
Craigen said that many have been very disappointed with the direction the city has continued to take around zero tax and spending and that this direction played out in bargaining. She said that city workers remain concerned about service levels over the next few years and will be monitoring the situation.
CUPE 798 represents close to 150 members who work for the City of Powell River and provide a wide range of services to the city’s residents and businesses. The new agreement is for the period January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2018. It was reached following more than 25 days of bargaining and mediation through the B.C. Labour Relations Board.
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