A new collective agreement has been ratified by the City of Courtenay and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 556.
The agreement is retroactive to Jan. 1, 2025, and runs until Dec. 31, 2028.
City manager Geoff Garbutt said he is pleased to have reached an agreement after a constructive and respectful bargaining process.
“Our employees are at the heart of the services we provide and this agreement reflects their value to the organization.”
The agreement includes general wage increases of $2 per hour in the first year, followed by five per cent in the second year, four per cent in the third year and three and a half per cent in the fourth year.
The City of Courtenay said the settlement represents a balanced outcome that supports wage competitiveness, advances key employer priorities and modernizes the collective agreement to reflect current legal requirements and workplace practices.
The two sides also agreed to updates to support employee health and well-being while enhancing service delivery, along with revisions to improve clarity and consistency in the agreement language.
CUPE Local 556 president Sonya Jenssen said Courtenay members provide essential public services that residents, businesses and visitors depend on every day.
“This agreement recognizes the dedication and commitment of employees who work to meet the operational needs of the community and ensure services are delivered when they are needed most.”
Both sides acknowledged the collaboration and effort of their respective bargaining teams in reaching a fair and balanced agreement.
