The Village of Cumberland and members of CUPE Local 556 have ratified a four-year collective agreement, replacing the previous contract that expired in January. The agreement provides for wage increases of two per cent per year in each year, as well as benefit enhancements and changes in contract language.

The agreement was ratified by the membership, and has been approved by village council.

鈥淭he Village is pleased to have a new contract in place that will continue to foster a positive working relationship with our unionized employees,鈥� said Mayor Leslie Baird. 鈥淭his agreement reflects a good balance between the needs of each of the parties.鈥�

鈥淚t was a long negotiation but I think we came out of it with a better collective agreement, and a better understanding of each other鈥檚 issues and challenges,鈥� said Andrea Samsom, Village of Cumberland CUPE 556 Unit vice-president.

CUPE Local 556 represents approximately 35 employees who provide a variety of municipal services.