Niagara Region Ratifies Three Year Collective Agreement with CUPE Local 1287

​Niagara Region, August 2, 2012 - Niagara Region and the Canadian Union of Public Employees, CUPE Local 1287, representing over 840 full and part-time clerical, technical, skilled labour and professional Regional employees, have freely negotiated and agreed to a three-year collective agreement that runs from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2014.

The percentage wage increases for the 36 month period are 0 per cent in the first year, 1 per cent in the second and 2 per cent in the third year for a total cost including wages and benefits of 3.15 per cent over the three years or $1.38 million.

"Achieving a freely negotiated settlement was of upmost importance in our negotiations with CUPE Local 1287," said Regional Chair Gary Burroughs. "We were able to obtain a settlement that worked for all parties. On behalf of Regional Council, I would like to thank the Region's and CUPE Local 1287 negotiating teams for their hard work in attaining a freely negotiated settlement," concludes Burroughs.

The Canadian Union of Public Employees CUPE Local 1287 provide services in areas of social assistance, childcare, water and wastewater operations, environmental enforcement and laboratory services, transportation, landfill operations and administrative services.

"It was our goal to seek a freely negotiated settlement with CUPE Local 1287 that was fair to the union members, yet reflects the current economic conditions in the region," said Brian Hutchings, Commissioner of Corporate Services/Treasurer. "It was also important that this agreement be equitable with other Niagara Region employees and is affordable for the Niagara taxpayer. We are pleased that both parties were able to come to an agreement that will continue to form the foundation for sound labour relations and the delivery of important services such as, childcare, social assistance, and water and wastewater treatment to Niagara residents over the next three years," concludes Hutchings.

"Our CUPE Local 1287 members representing Regional workers who deliver such services as water and wastewater, social services and provincial offences are pleased to have ratified a three year collective agreement with the Niagara Region," said Shawn Wilson, President CUPE Local 1287. "The deal provides a balance between protecting our workers and allowing the employer more flexibility with its work scheduling. The services delivered by our dedicated members are vitally important to Niagara taxpayers and we feel this deal will strengthen those services," concludes Wilson.

About Niagara Region:

Niagara Region serves over 427,000 people living in 12 area municipalities.

Programs and services are fundamental, in one way or another, to the quality of life of our residents, and affect millions of visitors who come here yearly. The Region is responsible for such diverse areas as growth management and land use planning; a transportation network, including roads, bridges and traffic signals; water and wastewater treatment; waste collection and management; emergency medical services; public health; children's services, seniors programs, including long-term care homes; and Ontario Works, to name a few. Visit www.niagararegion.ca for more information.

Contact:

Brian Hutchings
Commissioner Corporate Services/Treasurer
Niagara Region
905-685-4225 ext. 3292 or 1-800-263-7215​