FORT ST. JAMES – Municipal workers for the District of Fort St. James have unanimously ratified their first collective agreement. After nearly nine months of negotiations, members of CUPE 4951-02 have achieved a huge step forward in job security and fairness in the workplace.
“First contracts are rarely easy, but this group of workers put in the hard work and have met every challenge they faced at the bargaining table,” says Lily Bachand, president of CUPE 4951. “On behalf of all CUPE 4951 members I want to congratulate them and their bargaining committee on a job well done.”
Workers for the District, a small community located forty kilometers north of Vanderhoof and just two hours from Prince George, joined CUPE 4951 in September 2018. The unit includes 22 inside and outside workers in a variety of jobs across the District.
The new collective agreement includes increased job security for the members of CUPE 4951-02 and establishes a job evaluation process – a first for the District. “This process makes sure each member is being recognized for their experience and qualifications, and that they are all being treated fairly in their jobs,” says Bachand.
CUPE 4951 represents more than 325 members across several communities of northern British Columbia.
