County approves deal with outside workers

(Newswatch Group/Bill Kingston, File)

SD&G – The United Counties has signed a three-year deal with its outside workers.

County council approved the deal with CUPE Local 1715 on Monday, which covers 30 employees.

The union ratified the contract two weeks ago.

The three year deal, which is retroactive to April 1, 2016, will see pay increases of 1.75 per cent, 1.9 per cent and 2.0 per cent – or 5.65 per cent over three years.

By the end of the term of the contract, a truck driver with the county will make $23.75 per hour.

It will mean the county will be paying out an extra $188,000 in wages and benefits over the life of the contract.

The deal includes a 10 cent an hour night shift premium increase, recognizing half days for Christmas and New Year’s Day as paid holidays and “modest increases” to safety clothing and vision care.

CAO Tim Simpson told council the contract is in line with what other municipalities have negotiated.