NEWS RELEASE

HRM and CUPE Local 108 reach collective agreement

(October 29, 2009) - Halifax Regional Municipality and members of Halifax Civic Workers Union/CUPE Local 108 have concluded a collective agreement. This four-year collective agreement ensures continued quality service to HRM, and addresses operational efficiencies and employee health and benefit issues.

Union members ratified the contract Wednesday night, Oct. 28. Halifax Regional Council has also approved the Collective Agreement in principle. On November 10, HRM Council will meet to confirm its approval.

Under the four-year Collective Agreement - which runs from November 1, 2008 to October 31, 2012 - approximately 400 employees will receive pay raises of three per cent in the first year and two per cent in each of the three consecutive years. The employees work primarily in Transportation and Public works and include gardeners, machine operators, skilled trades, labourers, tree trimmers, sports field and playground technicians, traffic sign and marking technicians, and facility maintainers.

The previous contract with CUPE Local 108 expired Oct. 31, 2008. Negotiations that began near the end of March 2009 concluded earlier this week without the assistance of conciliation services, when a tentative agreement was successfully reached through the parties professional and positive negotiation dialogue.

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Contact:

Mike Labrecque
Director, Transportation and Public Works
Halifax Regional Municipality
(902) 490-4855

Shaune MacKinlay
Manager, Public Affairs
Halifax Regional Municipality
(902) 490-6531