The City of Merritt has reached an agreement with its unionized employees after nearly five months of negotiations.
Members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) local 900 will receive a moderate pay raise over the next four years under the new Four Year Collective Agreement. Effective as of July 26, the agreement includes wage increases of 1.5 per cent in 2011, 1.75 per cent in both 2012 and 2013, and 2 per cent in 2014.
The agreement also includes some minor increases to benefits and some housekeeping changes that provide clarification on wording in the document.
Merritt Chief Administrative Officer Matt Noble said that both parties were happy and satisfied with the negotiations, which took place locally.
“We were very far apart at the outset as is usually the case, but gradually we came together and we’re looking forward to a great relationship over the ensuing four years,” said Noble.
Originally the union, which represents the city’s nearly 60 unionized employees, wanted a three year contract rather than the usual four years, said Noble.
“They like to keep it a bit more current because conditions change and sometimes quite rapidly,” said Noble. “You can be in and out of a recession and it could be a whole different world.”
“Shorter periods provide more certainty.”
On the other hand, Noble said that a three-year contract would mean more money being put towards more frequent negotiations. In the end, both parties agreed on the four-year contract.
In a press release issued by the City of Merritt Kevin Vilac of CUPE Local 900 said, “It was nice to see a respectful process and a positive outcome.”
Noble said the city is particularly happy with the four year contract because there are many positive opportunities on the horizon for Merritt and the city has a lot to accomplish.
“Our feeling as management is that we’ve laid the foundation to make the next four years a relationship that will benefit both parties,” said Noble.
