Coldstream, B.C., municipal workers go to mediation

Current deal expired in December: CUPE

Coldstream, B.C., municipal workers go to mediation
CUPE, Local 626 represents about 335 municipal workers in Coldstream. Google Street View

The District of Coldstream in Coldstream, B.C. and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), Local 626, will begin mediation on Nov. 18, after bargaining talks broke down in August, says the union.

The B.C. Labour Relations Board appointed mediator Grant McArthur to mediate contract talks between the two sides on Nov. 15, says the union.

“We are hopeful we can find resolution through mediation and achieve a fair deal,” says Bryce de Dood, CUPE, Local 626 president . “We are confident we can get a contract that moves our members forwards, not backwards.”

Talks broke down in August when the district sought a five-year wage settlement that was both lower than the provincial average and surrounding municipalities. The union had already moved off 10 key proposals to get a deal, says CUPE.

The current agreement expired Dec. 31.

CUPE, Local 626 represents about 335 municipal workers in Coldstream, including workers who fix roads, do sewer and storm maintenance, provide planning, RCMP support services, administration and parks workers.

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