Members of CUPE Local 5820 have ratified an agreement with the County of Simcoe.
The three-year agreement includes a $1.58-per-hour increase in the first year and a three per cent increase in both the second and third years.
The agreement means “services will continue without interruption,” CUPE stated in a news release.
Union members had been negotiating for a deal with the county since last December, seeking “fair wages that are in line with inflation and the increasing cost of living,” according to a statement on the union’s website.
“Our members want to be recognized for the value and the services they provide to the county and the residents. We are asking for a fair deal that recognizes the work that our members do. We work hard. Our members are caring, compassionate people who are proud of the work they do,” CUPE Local 5820 president Wendy Monsinger previously said.
The union announced Friday an agreement had been ratified.
“While this agreement makes gains for our members, they are still well behind workers in neighbouring regions and counties who are paid more to do the same work,” Monsinger said. “We will continue to fight to close the gap so that our members are paid fairly for the work that they do.”
CUPE Local 5820 members working for the county include office, technical and clerical workers, as well as social and children’s services workers.
The agreement is subject to ratification by the county.
