Unionized workers with the City of Coquitlam have a new contract.
On Monday, Dec. 11, the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 386 announced that 83 per cent of its members voted to ratify the new collective agreement.
The deal will see unionized employees get a 13 per cent bump in pay over three years:
- Five (5) per cent in 2023
- 4.5 per cent in 2024
- 3.5 per cent in 2025
In addition, the workers will receive a one-time lump sum payment of three per cent — based on 2022 wages — to help with inflation.
In a statement issued to the Tri-City News, CUPE 386 president Vim Sharma said the new contract resolves workplace concerns for the 1,100 unionized employees and the employer, the City of Coquitlam.
"This round of negotiations, both parties were focused on having constructive conversations that led to the development of mutually beneficial solutions aimed at not only enhancing the well being of workers but also optimizing service delivery for the community," Sharma stated.
The collective agreement also includes new, more inclusive language around bereavement leave and hikes to employer-paid extended healthcare premium costs; there is also an increased boot allowance, he said.
"CUPE 386 members are proud to provide important public services in Coquitlam and we look forward to continuing to work with the City of Coquitlam to deliver those services to residents and businesses," Sharma said.
The union news came the same day that Coquitlam city council adopted its 2024 budget, which calls for a 8.92 per cent jump in property taxes next July.
