Press Release - The Regional Municipality of York reaches three-year agreement with CUPE Local 905

Labour agreement involves 1,700 York Region employees in many job sectors

NEWMARKET – The Regional Municipality of York has reached a three-year labour agreement with our unionized workers represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 905.

Details of the agreement include a three per cent wage increase in 2007, 2008 and 2009 for 1,400 full-time and 300 part-time employees. It also includes salary adjustments in six different job categories, bringing wage parity to these classifications with our GTA peers and other employers in the marketplace.

York Region's CUPE 905 unionized employees include both inside and outside workers employed in 300 different positions. Salary increases for 2007 will be retroactive to April 1st, when the former agreement expired.

"This agreement represents a good deal for York Region, is fair for our CUPE employees and demonstrates excellent value to our residents," said York Region Chairman and CEO Bill Fisch. "This new agreement will ensure the continued delivery of exemplary service that our residents, businesses and visitors have come to expect."

York Region's negotiated salary and wage rates, in addition to modest adjustments in employee benefits, are in keeping with cost of living increases throughout Greater Toronto. The new contract follows the general trend in municipal worker settlements, estimated by the Ontario Ministry of Labour to be approximately three per cent annual wage increases.

"This agreement will continue to help our corporation attract and retain highly qualified and skilled personnel," said York Region Chief Administrative Officer Bruce Macgregor. "Our employee commitment, together with great support of Regional Council, shows why York Region is one of Canada's Top 100 Employers."

York Region's unionized employees are represented by CUPE and the Ontario Nursing Association (ONA). Members of ONA are under contract until March 2009.

For more information on The Regional Municipality of York, please visit www.york.ca