The City of Sarnia has ratified three year contract agreements with three local unions, represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE).
In a news release, the city said the deals balance fair compensation alongside affordability for taxpayers.
The city said with the Ontario Consumer Price Index rising 3.9 per cent in 2023, the three contracts provide wage increases reflecting the impacts of inflation.
Employees from all three locals — CUPE 153 representing Public Works, CUPE 2713 representing Parks and Recreation, and CUPE 3690 representing Administrative and Technical staff — will receive a 3.2 per cent wage increase annually from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2026.
CUPE 153 President Jeremy Hull commented on the deal.
“We extend our gratitude to the City of Sarnia and council for their dedication and commitment throughout the negotiation process," said Hull. "Together, we have achieved a fair and equitable agreement that benefits everyone involved. Our members look forward to serving the citizens of Sarnia well into the future without interruption or delay."
CUPE 2713 President Jorge Paiva is pleased.
“The negotiation process is always a tremendous amount of work, and I’d like to thank the CUPE and city teams for their efforts in achieving a fair agreement for our workers," he said.
CUPE 3690 President Mike Jackson echoed those statements.
“On behalf of the executive of CUPE 3690, I am thrilled to share the exciting news that we have successfully negotiated a new collective agreement with the City of Sarnia," said Jackson. "This achievement is a testament to the strength, unity, and dedication of CUPE 3690 executive, membership, senior management and council. Through our collective efforts, we have secured significant improvements that will enhance our working conditions and provide better support for all members."
Jackson said the agreement represents not just a set of terms and conditions, but a reflection of our shared commitment to fairness, respect, and mutual support.
"We want to extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who contributed to this successful bargaining process. Your solidarity and engagement have made this achievement possible. Let us take pride in this milestone as we continue to work together to build a positive and productive work environment," he said.
Sarnia Human Resources Manager Tammy Broer thanked CUPE leadership for their hard work at the bargaining table.
"Their insight was invaluable in ensuring we could maintain affordability while ensuring our employees receive the compensation and supports they deserve for the crucial work they do in delivering services to our community,” he said.
The city’s management bargaining team and CUPE leadership spent a total of 43 days working together to establish the three contracts.