One of the union locals representing City of Windsor employees has approved its agreement with the City's administration.
The City announced Thursday afternoon that the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 82 has ratified its tentative deal. About 92 per cent of members voting said yes to the contract.
"We bargained hard and have come away with a fair deal for workers," said Local 82 President Rob Kolody. "Our members provide the public services that make the City of Windsor a welcoming and inviting community for residents and visitors. During the past two years, our members were redeployed to a variety of pandemic-related operations and demonstrated on a daily basis their commitment to Windsor."
Windsor City Council signed off on the deal at its May 18 meeting.
Terms of the agreement were not immediately available, but it is a three-year contract. The City said it will cost $2.5-million and is covered by both the 2022 operating budget and the City's Budget Stabilization Reserve account.
Mayor Drew Dilkens said he is grateful that a deal with Local 82 is in place, given the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, rising inflation, and supply chain problems.
"I’m grateful to the leadership of CUPE Local 82 for coming to the bargaining table in the spirit of partnership," said Dilkens in a media release. "Our employees are the face of the corporation, and their well-being has always been a core concern at City Hall, especially throughout the global pandemic. This is a responsible agreement that secures stability and demonstrates our commitment to fiscal responsibility at an incredibly volatile time."
Negotiations continue between the City and CUPE Local 543.