The Village of Cumberland has ratified a new collective deal with CUPE 556.
The agreement is for a four-year contract and includes a $0.64 wage increase for unionized employees for 2021 and a two per cent annual increase in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
The deal also features a revised labour management committee structure with involvement from the employer and employees to review benefits and several small changes.
“Council was very pleased with the respectful bargaining process between the village and the CUPE bargaining committee,” said Cumberland Mayor Leslie Baird. “This last year has been challenging for our staff who were able to respond to the demands of the COVID-19 pandemic response for the community’s benefit. We are very pleased to be able to continue to provide a workplace that contributes to employee wellbeing while offering quality service to the community.”
“The Village of Cumberland and CUPE 556 have an excellent working relationship and we really appreciated having a respectful round of bargaining so we can return to the work on behalf of the citizens of Cumberland,” said CUPE 556 Cumberland Unit vice-president Ryan Parton.
The bargaining happened this past month.
CUPE 556 represents municipal employees in Comox Valley who provide a wide variety of services.
