There will be labour peace between the Town of Osoyoos and its unionized workers with the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), Local 608, and the town signed a five-year deal last week.
The new, five-year collective agreement includes housekeeping changes, benefit improvements and wage increases totaling nine per cent over the term of the agreement.
Wage increases to all classifications will occur in the following amounts:
• 2015 – 1.7 per cent
• 2016 – 1.7 per cent
• 2017 – 1.75 per cent
• 2018 – 1.85 per cent
• 2019 – 2.0 per cent
Mayor Sue McKortoff was pleased a deal was reached amicably between the town and union.
“Osoyoos town council is pleased that our CUPE employees have worked with our management to develop this new agreement,” said McKortoff. “Council values the outstanding work that our employees contribute to the success of this community and look forward to continued positive working relationships.
Brianne Hillson, President of CUPE Local 608, says union leaders and the membership are happy with the new collective agreement and are looking forward to continuing the long term positive working relationship with the Town of Osoyoos and its residents.
The deal was reached after several days of negotiations between senior administration and union leaders at town hall.
KEITH LACEY
Osoyoos Times
