New contract for unionized City of Nanaimo employees continues labour peace

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“I think we’ve collectively done a good job at that and it definitely pays off when you get into collective bargaining because you’re not having to try to create a good relationship at a time that can be otherwise tense and adversarial,” Van Horne told NanaimoNewsNOW.

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New contract for unionized City of Nanaimo employees continues labour peace

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The contract covers about 550 full-time and 230 temporary/casual workers.

Van Horne said the new deal calls for general wage increases of four per cent for each of the three years, representing a slight uptick from the 3/3/3.5 per cent hike in the previous deal.

Given the challenging financial pressures facing the City and union members, Van Horne said this was likely the most stressful round of negotiations of his career.

“People as individuals have expectations of what they’re looking for, but at the same time, we’re in an environment where we have to be mindful of what’s getting spent and how it’s getting spent.”

Laura Mercer, the City’s GM of corporate services, stated the new contract for CUPE Local 401 represents a $2.1 million dollar increase this year in additional expenses for the City in wages and benefits.

Mercer stated those increased costs were funded through taxation, fees, charges, and reserves.

CUPE Local 401 members and the City of Nanaimo have enjoyed a strong working relationship for many years. (Image Credit: File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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