2 days ago
Health PEI, CUPE workers reach tentative three-year agreement
Health PEI and members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) have reached a tentative three-year collective agreement that includes wage increases and service retention premiums.
The agreement is retroactive to April 1, 2023 and will run until March 31, 2026, according to a news release from Health PEI. Members from CUPE Locals 805, 1051, 1778 and 1779 will vote on the agreement next Tuesday.
Combined, the four CUPE Locals represent more than 1,300 health-care workers in P.E.I. They work in laundry, maintenance, dietary, housekeeping and more.
'It has been a very difficult five years for our members. We went through COVID-19, rising living costs, staff shortages, and more than two years without a contract,' said Robyn Sharpe, president of CUPE Local 1051, in the release. 'This investment recognizes the critical role our members play in the health system and gives them the respect and support they deserve.'
The agreement includes:
general wage increases of 10.5 per cent across three years
a $5.50/hour wage grid reset to improve competitiveness and address wage compression
service retention premiums of two per cent after 10 years of service and an additional two per cent after 15 years
increased shift premiums
a $500 retiree return incentive
a full-time commitment pay of $1.07/hour worked
'This was one of the most difficult rounds of negotiations we've faced, but it resulted in a historic agreement that our members have earned,' said John MacKenzie, chief shop steward for Local 805. 'I am not the only one who feels that this deal will be life-changing for workers. It's an exceptionally good deal, and I'm happy to see that Health PEI and the Province are investing in their front-line staff.'
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