NPCA workers ratify first collective agreement

WELLAND, ON, Nov. 27, 2015 /CNW/ - Members of OPSEU Local 217 have ratified a first collective agreement with the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority. On November 25, 93 per cent of workers in the new unit endorsed the four-year deal, which was reached on November 3.

Local 217 represents Niagara Parks Police and Niagara Parks employees. The new unit, formed in October 2014, represents 30 workers employed in a variety of positions. They include technicians, planners, conservation area field workers and administrative support staff.

"I'm delighted by the resounding vote of confidence from this new local," said OPSEU Staff Representative Paul Attard. "It's always encouraging when newly organized workers arrive at a first collective agreement that meets their needs and expectations."

Monetary improvements include:

• annual wage increases of 1.5 per cent, 1.25 per cent, 1.75 per cent and 2.25 per cent
• top-ups for pregnancy and parental leave
• implementation of a health care spending account
• improvements to eyewear
• standby and call-in language

The deal also includes a number of non-monetary items, such as job vacancies and transfers, layoff and recall language, and hours of work.

OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas was pleased with the results of the ratification vote. "It's seldom easy for workers to seek out representation by a union. These hardworking staff took all the appropriate steps and put their confidence in OPSEU.

"Thanks to the professionalism and dedication of our bargaining team, they now have a solid first collective agreement that will carry them through to the end of 2018. Congratulations on this significant achievement."

SOURCE Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU)

Paul Attard, Staff Representative/Negotiator, OPSEU, 1-800-268-7376, ext. 5240