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'I am pleased the employer recognized the need for a fair offer.' - Joan Jessome.
Sydney (3 Nov. 2010) - Maintenance and trades workers at Cape Breton University (CBU) have voted to accept an a new contract and end a strike that began on Oct. 25.
“We are pleased an agreement could be reached for the members at this time,” says Joan Jessome, president of the Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union (NSGEU/NUPGE).
“These workers provide important services for the staff and students at the university and I am pleased the employer recognized the need for a fair offer. We have had incredible support from so many people including the general public, the student body, faculty and members of other labour organizations in the Sydney area, which gave the members the strength to stand firm as we negotiated an agreement.”
Highlights of the agreement include:
- Aug. 1, 2009 - 2.9% wage increase.
- Aug. 1, 2010 - $250 on all rates of pay (which on average equals .6%).
- Aug. 1, 2010 - 1.5% wage increase.
- Aug. 1, 2011 - 1% wage increase.
- Apr. 1, 2012 - implementation of a new third pay step on all classifications which equals a 2% wage increase. Because it will be implemented four months prior to the end of the contract, this has an additional value of .67%.
The total increase in all rates of pay from Aug. 1, 2009 to April 1, 2012 is 8.67%. There will also be an additional .5% pension premium increase by the employer for all members of the local.
NUPGE
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE