City Reaches Collective Deal with CUPE

The City of Port Alberni and their unionized workers, represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 118, have reached a five-year collective bargaining agreement.

The agreement was ratified by Local 118 members on Monday, April 15, 2019, and by City of Port Alberni Council on Tuesday, April 23, 2019. The new contract covers the period beginning January 1, 2019, and will expire on December 31, 2023.

“This five-year collective agreement provides long term labour stability within our workforce, allowing for staff to focus on delivering the best level of service they can within our community. As the City we take great pride in our service offerings which could not be possible without the
efforts of our dedicated workforce,” said Tim Pley, City of Port Alberni CAO.

“CUPE is pleased to bargain a solid agreement that benefits all members,” said Stacy Watton, president of CUPE Local 118. “This collective agreement will continue to build on a good working relationship between CUPE and the City,” concluded Ms. Watton.

The agreement was reached following three days of bargaining.  The new agreement provides general wage increases of 2 per cent per year in each of the first four years, and 2.25 per cent in the final year. The agreement also includes several modest benefit enhancements as well as improvements for new and part-time employees.

“Council is pleased that the City and CUPE were able to reach an agreement that satisfies the needs of both parties. The fact that an agreement was reached in a short amount of time to me demonstrates the goodwill and respect that exists between the City and its employees,” said Port Alberni Mayor, Sharie Minions.

CUPE Local 118 represents approximately 180 full and part-time City of Port Alberni staff.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION

Davina Hartwell, City Clerk City of Port Alberni

250-720-2810

davina_hartwell@portalberni.ca