The City of Port Coquitlam and Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 498 have reached a new five year collective agreement effective January 1, 2016.

The parties started bargaining in September 2016 and reached a tentative agreement in May 2017 which was approved by CUPE members on June 12 and ratified by City Council on June 13.

“We are pleased that the negotiations are finalized as it brings long-term stability to the City,” said Mayor Greg Moore. “I’m also happy that we were able to continue to provide seamless services to our residents during negotiations which speaks to the professionalism and commitment of our staff to serving our community.”

Highlights of the agreement include:

• Wage increases of 1.5%, 1.5%, 2.0%, 2.0% and 2.0% on Jan 1 of each year (retroactive to Jan. 1, 2016). The five year term and wage pattern is the same as agreed to by the Cities of Delta, Surrey and Coquitlam. As the 2017-2021 financial plan included the expected wage increases at the regional trend rate, there will be no additional tax impact to residents.
• Extended health benefits changes to be more in line with regional norms (e.g. combined physio and massage coverage, vision care, hearing aids and increases to the annual deductible).

“Our members voted overwhelmingly in favour of the new five year Collective Agreement and settlement,” says Gary Goff, President of CUPE Local 498. “The benefit increases are the first in many years for our local.”

The prior agreement expired in December 2015. CUPE Local 498 represents approximately 350 workers employed in various jobs with the City of Port Coquitlam including public works, parks, administration, finance, bylaws, engineering and recreation.

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MEDIA CONTACTS

John Leeburn
Chief Administrative Officer
City of Port Coquitlam
Tel: 604.927.5414
Email: leeburnj@portcoquitlam.ca
www.portcoquitlam.ca