THUNDER BAY -- The city and its workers have reached a collective bargaining agreement, averting a strike.
Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 87 members voted Friday to accept a five-year contract, retroactive to Nov. 1, 2014.
The city's 700 indoor and outdoor workers will receive 1.75 per cent annual pay increases for both 2015 and 2016 and 1.5 per cent per year from 2017 to 2019.
CUPE Local 87 president Karen Martin said the negotiating team urged its membership to vote against the deal because it will put between 70 and 90 workers on shift work in the city's sewer, water and pollution control plants.
"Nobody wants to work shift work if it affects their quality of life and their day-to-day living," Martin said.
"If you've got elderly or daycare issues, it creates a big problem."
The union had set a strike deadline of 12:01 on Tuesday, claiming the city was "attacking" collective bargaining language.
Martin said the deal includes incremental changes to benefits but would not elaborate on details.
"They were very small changes and we're hoping next time we can get a little more.".
City administration will hold a press conference on Saturday.
The agreement will affect the following city services:
- Plowing or sanding of residential sidewalks or trails
- Curbside garbage collection for residents, businesses and apartments
- Day Care Centres (Grace Remus, Ogden, Algoma and Woodcrest Day Care Centres)
- Canada Games Complex
- Indoor Pools (Volunteer and Churchill)
- Older Adults Centres (55 Plus and Older Adult Programs)
- Conservatory
- Fort William Gardens , Satellite Arenas (5) , Stadia (2) and Winter Rinks
- All Community Recreation Programs/Special Events (Child, Youth, Adult)
- Terry Fox Visitor Information Centre
