A five year contract between the City of Kamloops and CUPE Local 900 has been ratified.

The deal is retroactive to January 1st of this year, and it includes wage adjustments of 2.5 per cent in 2019, 2.25 per cent next year, and 2 per cent in each of the three remaining years.

Local 900 President Carmen Sullivan says 96.2 per cent of workers voted in favour of the deal which covers all 648 CUPE members who work for the City of Kamloops.

“I am very pleased about the way negotiations have led to a successful and long-term contract,” said Mayor Ken Christian. “Council wants to thank both CUPE and management staff for resolving issues for the benefit of both parties, and for the citizens of Kamloops.”

The agreement also builds on previous collaboration between the two parties that identified efficiencies and cost savings, which are already included in the city’s 2019-2023 financial plan.

In a release, the city says the new agreement includes a number of wording changes to clarify terms and provisions that will make it easier for both parties to interpret the agreement, which are expected to lead to more efficient operations and reduced costs as a result of disagreements or disputes.

“Both the Union and the City have worked collaboratively for an agreement that is fair to workers, is in line with inflation, and protects the services citizens count on,” said Carmen Sullivan, CUPE Local 900 President. “This agreement builds on improved cooperation between the parties, which this year helped realize savings by keeping work in-house.”

The five year deal will expire on December 31, 2023.