Final deals for Richmond city workers reached
Richmond council approved a new four-year deal for the city’s inside workers Monday, giving 900 unionized staffers wage hikes totalling 6.75 per cent.
The deal comes over 14 months after the previous contract with Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 718 expired. Local president Robert Gilchrist said in a statement the new agreement is “fair and reasonable,” but did come at a cost.
“[T]his was a particularly difficult round of negotiations, one which has unfortunately strained the relationship between the two parties. This contract is the best we could achieve at this time and moving forward it will provide some security and protections for our members.”
The new contract—for unionized workers at city hall, community centres and swimming pools—covers the period from Jan. 1, 2012 to Dec. 31, 2015. It offers wage increases of 1.25 per cent for 2012, 1.75 per cent 2013, 1.75 per cent in 2014, and two per cent in 2015, along with some benefit improvements and adjustments to the grievance process.
Last month Richmond’s outside workers of CUPE Local 394—over 350 employees based at the works yard, parks department and recycling depot—were given the same deal.
Richmond library workers are also in line for the same wage hikes. CUPE Local 3966, representing 180 workers at four library branches, announced Monday a new four-year deal has been reached with the Richmond Public Library.
In a statement union spokesperson Heather Inglis said talks also surrounded improving services for the community.
“This type of open communication will serve the library, the community and our members who deliver the services well into the future.”
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