The city of Belleville and about 200 of its inside and outside workers will have labour peace for the next five years.
Late Thursday night the city and representatives from the Canadian Union of Public Employees, Local 907 reached a tentative agreement, but specifics won’t be released until both sides have ratified the deal.
Mayor Mitch Panciuk tells Quinte News that it was important to honour the collective bargaining process and reach a tentative deal that will satisfy everyone involved and keep those employees working.
“I’m really pleased we have a long term deal that I think is fair to everyone involved. Our municipal employees, but also our residents and businesses. It recognizes that we’re in some tough times because of COVID, but it’s also very optimistic about the future and the growth for the city.”
Marc Goulet is the president of Local 907 and is confident members will accept the deal.
“A strike was something that neither side wanted, the public as well. It would have been really bad. I mean, these are tough times for everyone. We’re very proud of the deal that we’ll be able to forward to the members and I’m confident it should go through.”
Goulet thanked the community for its support leading up to the deal.
CUPE will hold an online ratification vote this Saturday and Sunday, while Mayor Panciuk expects City Council to sign off at its next meeting on March 8.
