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Sparwood council and CUPE ratify five-year agreement
A new five-year agreement has just been ratified between District of Sparwood council and the Canadian Union of Public Employees, Local 2698 (CUPE).
The new agreement sees annual wage increases in each year of the agreement and includes some flexibility dependent upon inflation, which is measured annually using the British Columbia Consumer Price Index.
Other than wage increases, many monetary and non-monetary changes were agreed to. This includes updated language to allow for broader application of sick leave for mental health, bereavement, and family illness purposes. The agreement also continues to provide the district ample capability to provide quality services to the community.
Bargaining took place over the course of six days, and both the district and CUPE are satisfied with the outcome.
“Council is very pleased with the cooperative, respectful, and productive working relationship between District Administration and CUPE. The agreement is fair and solidifies our great working relationship with employees, which results in great services for residents,” said Sparwood Mayor David Wilks.
Union President John Owen agrees that this round of bargaining saw both parties really understand all the issues and concerns. “Everyone listened to each other and problem solved together, these are crazy times, but we worked hard to reach an agreement that works for everyone.”
The Collective Agreement covers approximately 50 employees, including seasonal workers who provide municipal services throughout the District of Sparwood.
The new Collective Agreement will expire in February 2026.
Lead image: District of Sparwood Municipal Office. Photo credit: District of Sparwood
District of Sparwood
