A new contract for City of Dryden workers under the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers umbrella.
The two year deal has been ratified by both sides.
The agreement is retroactive to January 1, 2022 and runs until December 31, 2023.
The City has IBEW members in various positions throughout most municipal departments with 69 in permanent employment positions plus a small number of casual union employees.
The deal includes a $1 wage increase this year and a 2.75% wage hike next year.
Other terms in the agreement:
-Hours of Work: Language clean-up and new language in regards to notice for a chance in schedule and temporarily establish or reschedule shifts 4 to 10 hours shifts
-Meal Allowance: Increase from $11 to $15
-Benefits (Vision): Effective 2023 an increase from $400 to $500 and eye exam from $100 to $125
-Tools and Clothing: Addition of Public Works Operation employees will receive either Hi Visibility Safety winter parka or insulated coveralls once per calendar year
-Safety boot allowance: Increase from $150 annually to $200 annually
-Safety boot allowance: Wastewater/Water Treatment Plant an increase from $100 to $125 annually
-Short Term Disability Entitlement: Reduced the cap from 260 days to 200 days
The Local Union 1730 collective agreement expired on December 31, 2021 and a tentative agreement was reached April 22, 2022.
However it was rejected by membership on May 18.
Talks with IBEW and a conciliator resumed June 28 and members accepted a tentative agreement the following day.
Dryden Council approved the deal Monday.
Chief Administrative Officer Roger Nesbitt is thanking the City bargaining team for their commitment to strike a fair deal adding, “I want to thank the union executive negotiating committee. They obviously came into negotiations with the same intention we did to find a fair deal for our employees and their members. It took a little time to get there but I think we found it.”
Nesbitt adds, “I definitely want to acknowledge all of our employees including our union members. Without our employees we really wouldn’t have much of an organization so I want to acknowledge and thank all our employees for the contributions they make every day. It’s very challenging times right now with the cost of living and inflation.”
The 2022 budget had allocated 3% for wage increases.
Nesbitt says this agreement comes in around 3.5%.
