The City of Prince Albert and the city union workers have reached a tentative agreement after a couple of days of negotiations.
CUPE 882 made the announcement late Tuesday, saying the agreement includes coverage for vision care as well as employee and family assistance program coverage being expanded for non-permanent employees.
“The wage offer from the employer remains the same, with a Memorandum of Understanding on market supplements to adjust wages for hard to recruit classifications. In addition, the pay bands will be adjusted to bring the lowest paid workers above minimum wage,” the union’s release release.
The union membership will vote on whether or not to accept the offer on Friday.
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“The bargaining committee has worked hard to make gains at the table. Moving forward, the next steps are in the hands of our membership,” said Mira Lewis, CUPE national representative.
Job action started on Aug. 10 with a full withdrawal of services on Sept. 11.
She said in this instance it was unprecedented for the employer to initially walk away from the table and for the union workers to strike, adding that there’s a lot for members to consider before they vote on Friday.
The city sent a release saying this agreement was within the 11.5 per cent mandate set by the employer.
“The agreement includes the original 11 per cent general wage increase over four years and the original targeted adjustments to lowest paid employees to bring them above annual increased minimum wage mandates set by the province,” read the city’s release.
The agreement, if agreed upon by the union membership, will cover a four year term ending Dec. 31, 2025.
“The last several months have been very challenging and I am glad we have been able to find a resolve within our original mandate,” said Mayor Greg Dionne.
“I would like to thank the citizens of Prince Albert for their patience and support throughout this process and as the City worked to limit tax increases.”
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