After a thorough bargaining process, the Village of Cumberland and CUPE Local 556 have ratified a new collective agreement.
The three-year agreement is retroactive to Jan. 1, 2025 and remains in force until Dec. 31, 2027.
It includes general wage increases of five per cent in the first two years and four per cent in the third year.
The agreement also includes benefit enhancements and other improvements aimed at strengthening clarity and consistency in the collective-agreement language.
CUPE Local 556 president Sonya Jenssen said union members appreciated the constructive discussions.
“We’re pleased to have reached an agreement that helps address the affordability pressures our members are facing while also improving services for residents and businesses.”
Cumberland mayor Vickey Brown said council was glad to reach a deal before the holiday break.
“Cumberland Council is very pleased that we were able to come to a fair agreement with our employees that recognizes the increased cost of living here and provides decent employee benefits, while still considering the impacts on taxpayers who are also feeling this pinch.”
Both sides said they look forward to maintaining a constructive working relationship throughout the life of the agreement.
