The Thompson-Nicola Regional District has ratified a new two-year collective agreement with CUPE Local 900, that will give unionized employees an 11.75 per cent wage increase.
It is similar to the agreement reached between CUPE and the City of Kamloops, with the roughly 50 TNRD staffers who are represented by CUPE getting a 4 per cent increase – and a 4-per cent cost of living adjustment – retroactive to the start of this year.
They’ll also get a 3.5 per cent increase in 2025.
The TNRD also says the new agreement includes flexible work options for employees as well as several updates to language to meet the needs of the organization. It also includes a “modernizing” of the terms of the labour management committee.
“This agreement was reached amicably, professionally, and respectfully, and proves the strong working abilities between the TNRD and CUPE,” TNRD Board Chair Barbara Roden said. “The agreement is acceptable for all parties, and it provides certainty for our CUPE staff members. The Board also appreciates the hard work of TNRD staff to reach a fair agreement.”
The previous five-year contract – that gave TNRD staff a 10.75 per cent increase between 2019 and 2023 – expired on Dec. 31, 2023.
“We are very pleased with the outcome of this bargaining round. The cooperation, understanding, and professionalism shown by the TNRD bargaining team was exemplary,” added CUPE Local 900 President Ken Davis.
“We feel the end result is an agreement that both parties are happy with, and one that leaves our members feeling respected and valued.”