Regional district, union reach a 5-year deal

Posted: Monday, July 20, 2015 8:27 pm Daily Courier Staff
Unionized employees at the Regional District of Central Okanagan will get raises totalling 8.5 per cent over the next five years.The regional board and Canadian Union of Public Employees, local 338 regional district unit, have ratified a five-year contract that was reached after two days of bargaining last month. The agreement runs through Dec. 31, 2019 and provides a general wage increase of two per cent retroactive to Jan. 1 with annual increases on March 31 in the following years: 2016 – 1.5 per cent; 2017 – 1.5 per cent; 2018 – 2 per cent; and 2019 – 1.5 per cent. The contract also includes some adjustments in language and clarity. “This agreement is consistent with other local government labour settlements negotiated in our area and provides competitive wages for our employees,” said regional district chairwoman Gail Given in a news release. “The new agreement is prudent for taxpayers and is fiscally responsible, falling within the five-year financial plan that was approved by the regional board in March.” “The new agreement balances the needs of CUPE local 338 and the RDCO,” said Scott Bruce, CUPE 338 vice president. CUPE members voted 95 per cent in favour of ratification. The unit has 84 full- and part-time members.