The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) and United Steel Workers (USW) Union Local 1-1937 have ratified a new collective agreement.
The union represents 81 recreation facilities staff members at the Comox Valley Sports Centre and the Aquatic Centre. Their wages range from $15.75 to $26.87 per hour.
Negotiations began last January to address amendments to the agreement. In November, a mediator was assigned to assist discussions. On Dec. 11, a tentative agreement was reached with ratification from both parties on Dec. 21.
“We are pleased to be moving forward with this agreement to continue enhanced service at our recreation facilities,” Julie Bradley, CVRD executive manager of human resources, said in a news release.
The new four-year agreement will provide USW staff with a labour market adjustment in the second year to move their wage rates closer to similar positions in other regional recreation facilities. The third- and fourth-years of the agreement have a two per cent wage increase in each year.
“On behalf of the USW bargaining committee, I would like to thank the CVRD bargaining team and the CVRD board for collectively bargaining a successful contract,” said Shelley Siemens, Local 1-1937 business agent.
The collective agreement will be revised and available when ready at www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/collectiveagreements