CBRM, union ratify new contract
CUPE 759 represents outside workers employed by the municipality
The union representing outside workers for the Cape Breton Regional Municipality has ratified a new four-year contract and, as of Friday, so has the employer.
"We believe this is a fair deal for our members and for the public we serve," CUPE 759 president Kevin Ivey said in a news release.
CUPE 759 represents CBRM's employees in transit, public works, water and wastewater management, parks and grounds maintenance, building and arena maintenance, as well as cleaning and janitorial services.
The contract dates are Nov. 1, 2020 to Oct. 31, 2024.
"The process wasn't without its challenges, but everyone worked toward a positive outcome built on respect and fairness," Mayor Amanda McDougall said in a separate release.
Workers had been without a contract since October 2020. The union, which represents about 300 CBRM employees, said the ratification of this contract averted a lockout and strike.
During a special meeting on Friday, CBRM council unanimously ratified the deal.
It includes a three per cent raise in the first year, a two per cent raise in subsequent years and a 0.5 per cent raise on the final day of the contract.