The town of Battleford and CUPE local 3003 have come to an agreement on a five year term.
The agreement runs Jan. 1 2020 to Dec. 31 2024 and terms of the contract include an increase of one percent for 2020 (retroactively applied) and 2021, 1.5 percent for 2022 and 2023, and two per cent in 2024. As well, included is extended health, vision and dental benefits of 100 percent.
Mayor Ames Leslie, councillor Judy Pruden and chief administrative officer Ash Alam had been meeting with the union since Dec. 1 to work out an agreement, and they came to that agreement on Jan. 22. In her remarks, Pruden said “I’m happy it’s gone this way” and it was a “great learning experience to be part of.”
“The bargaining unit did a very professional job to represent the employees,” said Mayor Leslie, who added the town had “won a few small victories” as well. The language in the document was changed to be gender neutral throughout the whole contract, which was requested by government as well.
The town had a signed memorandum of understanding that allowed council to go ahead with approval, in advance of the union’s own ratification vote the following evening.
Council unanimously gave their approval on Tuesday to the deal for the five year term and authorized Mayor Ames Leslie and town chief administrative officer Ash Alam to sign the necessary documents.
