The Thompson-Nicola Regional District and CUPE Local 900 have agreed to a new five-year collective agreement retroactive to January 1st of this year.
The deal will include 10.75 per cent in wage increases over the five years as well as slight enhancements to vacation and health benefits.
TNRD Board Chair Ken Gillis says he’s pleased because the agreement brings stability, and it’s similar to a deal reached between CUPE and the city of Kamloops earlier this year.
“We can carry on with a sense of continuity with the things that are underway right now. We don’t have to fear a disruption,” he said. “The other matter is of course that we do still have to settle with the BCGEU. That matter is still outstanding, but I’m quite optimistic that that will be done too.”
The BCGEU represents library employees, and in all Gillis says the two unions cover about 175 employees.
“I don’t know exactly when the next discussion with them is scheduled. I think it’s sometime this month and then after that I don’t think we’ve got anybody free until probably early October,” Gillis added.
“Perhaps the discussions later this month will lead to something and we’ll have that one put away too. That’s what we’re hoping.”
Gillis says the TNRD has had a very good relationship with both unions, and there’s no reason for him to think that won’t continue into the future.