City, water treatment workers reach deal

At Monday’s city council meeting the City finalized a four-year agreement with another of its unions — the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 995, whose dozen Lethbridge members operate the Water Treatment Plant.

The agreement is nearly identical to the one signed between the City and its largest union, CUPE Local 70, back in mid-December with a one per cent increase in wages for 2019, an additional 1.5 per cent for 2020 and 2021 and a two per cent increase in 2022.

IUOE spokesperson Damien Stanley said negotiations with the City were intense but cordial.

“It was understood that this round of negotiations was taking place in a much different environment than in previous years,” he said. “Initially, there were some areas that both parties were far apart on. Given the (respectful) nature of the relationship that exists in the workplace, a collaborative effort was achieved.

“Ultimately, city council and IUOE Local 955 members ratified the agreement, which indicates a successful round of bargaining. We understand the difficulties that the Alberta economy has faced and it was important that we reached a memorandum that was balanced and fair while addressing those concerns.”

Mayor Chris Spearman said concluding a successful labour agreement bargaining process is always of benefit to the City and sets up a good relationship with employees going forward.

“What it means is we have good labour relations and predictability,” Spearman stated. “It’s a four-year contract, and that provides a positive working relationship between our employees and the City.”

That sense of stability was key for his members as well in getting the agreement ratified, stated Stanley.

“We appreciate the valuable work our members perform for the community and we want them to remain focused on providing this service,” he said. “A four-year term will allow both parties to go back to work knowing that they have the continuity to make plans for the future.”