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Update: Mayor disappointed by CUPE vote

Rejected offer was “fair and affordable”
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The Village called for the vote after the last round of negotiations.

The Mayor of Nakusp’s says she’s “disappointed” by the results of a vote by the village’s unionized workers on Thursday.

“We made an offer we thought was fair and affordable for taxpayers,” said Karen Hamling. “And it’s in line with other regional settlements.

“We do value our employees.”

Members of CUPE 2450 voted 89 per cent to reject a final contract offer from the village in a vote held on Thursday morning.

“Today our members clearly said that they are only willing to accept a fair and reasonable collective agreement,” said local President Andy Cruden. “We hope that given this result the village council will reconsider its position at the bargaining table.”

He said outstanding issues include wages, market adjustments for select positions and retroactive pay for all union members, both active and non-active.

“There are only a few outstanding issues left to be negotiated and we believe we are extremely close to reaching an agreement,” said Cruden.

After the vote, the union leadership sent a note to the village suggesting further dates for bargaining. Hamling says she wants to hear from council on the issue.

“We have a council meeting on Monday night and we’ll discuss possible dates,” she said.

The CUPE union represents roughly 23 workers who do parks, roads, water and sewer maintenance, and clerical work for the village.

They have been without a contract for more than two years.


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reporter@arrowlakesnews.com

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