Ratification of New Collective Agreement

The Collective Agreement was ratified by the members on November 9th by a vote of 89%. The Mayor and Council ratified the Agreement at the Council Meeting on Monday, November 21 st . The new Collective Agreement will for five years, covering the period January 2016- December 31, 2020.

Some of the Highlights

Wage Increase:

  • 2016 – 1.5%
  • 2017 – 1.5%
  • 2018 – 2%
  • 2019- 2%
  • 2020 – 2%

Benefits:
Article 6.6 – Extended Health Benefit Plan – lifetime maximum increased from $750,000 to $1,000,000

Generic Drug Substitution language – effective January 1, 2017:
You will be given a generic substitution – when filling your prescriptions – unless your physician or dentist specifies – no substitution on your prescription – in this case – you will receive the branded drug at no extra cost to the members.

Increase to Psychologists and the addition of Clinical Counsellors – effective January 1, 2017:
Combined amount of $800 – to cover both of these specialists. Many of our members were utilizing the EFAB program which has Clinical Counsellors – this allows them to continue that relationship or use the increased funds for their Psychologist.

Parking at City Hall:
Freeze on parking for 2016, 2017 and 2018 and if increased in further years it will be done as a taxable benefit.

Additional Positions in the Bargaining Unit:
Fifty – three (53) new positions over 2016/2017

Conversions:
Seventeen (17) approximately from auxiliary to either regular full time or regular part time.

Lifeguards:
Increase to RFL’s for lifeguards from 1 – 3. Decrease in Lifeguard Instructor 1 hours for progression to Lifeguard – from 2080 – 1040

Engineering – Certification Pay:
Water, Sanitary- Sewer, Pumps & Controls

The City will be posting the New Collective Agreement on the website as soon as possible. Printed copies will done at that time as well.

If you have any further question, please call the union office 604-543- 3822. If anyone would like a copy of the “Memorandum of Agreement” – which is the changes to the contract, please contact the union office.