Municipal services will continue without disruption thanks to a successful end to contract negotiations. CUPE workers signed a four-year collective agreement Thursday (March 5), 14 months after the last contract expired. Two issues impeded progress, annual salary increases and benefits, which led to the workers' overwhelming support to strike shortly before Christmas.
However a meeting between Mayor Greg Gardner and CUPE union National Servicing Representative Rob Jandric resulted a coming together of minds, said Jandric.
"I think the big turning point was a chance for myself and the CUPE team to actually meet mayor," he said.
Before reaching the agreement, CUPE had denounced proposed cutbacks to benefits, and the District of Squamish was unwilling to accept CUPE's proposed salary increases.
Both sides compromised, as benefits were not capped and salary increases curtailed.
"We have worked very hard over the past 14 months to reach a negotiated settlement that both parties feel is fair," said Gardner.
According to a CUPE news release, the ratified contract includes raises over the four contract years of 2.25 per cent, 3.5 per cent, 4 per cent, and 4 per cent, as well as improvements to benefits. Workers who possess water or wastewater provincially-recognized tickets will earn additional wages. Workers who provide services in waste management that is considered "dirty" work, will also be compensated with a pay premium. Language improvements include whistle-blower protection so that workers can speak freely when they see something wrong on the job.
"This has been a long road and we are looking forward to moving ahead and continuing to provide great services to Squamish residents," said CUPE Local 2269 President Jodie Harrison.
The new contract is 14 months into its expiration. The term of the new collective agreement is January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2011.
