Unionized employees and the Regional District of Central Okanagan have inked a new four-year contract.
The new agreement runs until Dec. 31, 20914, and provides general wage increases retroactive to Jan. 1, 2011 of 1.25 per cent, 1.5 per cent for 2012 and 1.6 per cent in each of the two remaining years.
“We believe this agreement, the first between the regional district and CUPE, provides competitive wages for our employees, while being sensitive to taxpayers and is consistent with local government labour agreements in our area," said Robert Hobson, RDCO chairperson.
"It also ensures continued delivery of services for residents across the region and is within the five-year financial plan approved by the regional board earlier this year.”
CUPE local 338 vice-president Scott Bruce says the union's first round of bargaining was a positive experience.
'Given the current economic climate, we feel that we have achieved a fair and reasonable agreement for our members," he said.
The regional district unit of CUPE local 338 has 95 full-time and part-time members.