NPCA workers ratify first collective agreement

Deal includes wages increases, improved benefits

Members of OPSEU Local 217 ratified their first collective agreement with the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NCPA).

The four-year deal includes annual wage increases of 1.5 per cent, 1.25 per cent, 1.75 per cent and 2.25 per cent. Top-ups for pregnancy and parental leave were also included in the agreement, along with improvements to standby and call-in language.

The agreement was ratified by 93 per cent of workers in the new unit on Nov. 25.

Local 217 — which was formed in October 2014 — represents 30 workers in a variety of positions including technicians, planners, conservations area field workers and administrative support staff.

“I’m delighted by the resounding vote of confidence from this new local,” said OPSEU staff representative Paul Attard.

“It’s always encouraging when newly organized workers arrive at a first collective agreement that meets their needs and expectations.”

The deal also includes changes to a number of non-monetary items, including job vacancies and transfers, layoff and recall language, and hours of work.

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