Town of Pincher Creek and CUPE sign 4 year agreement

Blaise Bruder, Tony Naumczyk (CUPE), Councillor Doug Thornton, and Mayor Don Anderberg
T. Lucas photos

Toni Lucas

Pincher Creek Mayor Don Anderberg, Councillor Doug Thornton, President of Local CUPE 927 Tony Naumczyk, Water and Waste Water Operator and a Public Works Coordinator Blaise Bruder, and CUPE National Representative Jack Simpson met at Pincher Creek Town Hall Friday, July 11, to sign a ratified agreement between CUPE members and the Town of Pincher Creek. Some of the major items on the table were the length of the agreement and wages. Among a few of the changes,  a 10.5% increase over the course of 4 years.  The agreement affects a variety of Town of Pincher Creek employees and received a 100% vote of agreement from the union employees.

CUPE National Representaive Jack Simpson watches
as Mayor Don Anderberg signs the agreement

"It was one of the better tables, for sure," said CUPE National Representative Jack Simpson, who worked on this agreement and the last Town of Pincher Creek agreement three years ago. Simpson was happy with how smoothly this round of negotiations went. He said that a few of the changes included clarifications in the agreement, and clarification for standby and shift differential work.

"We appreciate all of our public works people, and also included in this is our pool staff, and some of our office staff. They all do a really good job for the town," Said Mayor Anderberg. "We have a good, long-term four year contract. From the employees' part I hope that they recognize the fact that we are really trying to work with you and that we appreciate all the good work they do for us."

"It's great, it's not one sided. it's a fair trade in return for the efforts our employees put out on our behalf," said Councillor Thornton. "We think it is a pretty fair renumeration and benefits package."

"The length of the agreement, it was three and has gone to a four year agreement, and I think that will be good for everybody," added Thornton.