Update (7:00 p.m.) From the Regional District
The Regional District and CUPE 1699 have reached a tentative Collective Agreement ending job action.
All Regional District facilities are now able to return to their regular operations.
Robson Valley Recreation Centre in McBride and Canoe Valley Recreation Centre in Valemount reopened today and they will now be open everyday from 6 am to 9 pm.
Foothills Boulevard Regional Landfill and all transfer stations will be following their regular operating schedules starting tomorrow, Friday November 21.
As part of this return to regular operations, the $6 fee for a small load of household garbage is no longer waived and it will be charged at Foothills Boulevard Regional Landfill and Vanway Regional Transfer Station.
Update (5:16 p.m.)
Fraser-Fort George workers with CUPE 1699 ratified a new collective agreement with the Regional District.
“The support from community cannot be understated,” said Union President Daniel Burke.
“We know that everyone wants their Regional District services to be there when they need them most, and we feel that through this agreement, we have secured that stability for workers and the communities we serve.”
The parties reached a tentative agreement with the support of a mediator earlier this week.
CUPE 1699 members ratified the tentative agreement Wednesday evening, and the Regional District’s Board of Directors ratified the agreement this afternoon.
“This new agreement not only helps ease the affordability challenges workers are facing but will also improve the public services communities throughout the Regional District rely on.” said Burke.
“When workers have the support they need, services are more stable, more reliable, and better able to meet the needs of residents. Our focus moving forward is to strengthen our working relationship with the Regional District and continue improving the services that residents and business count on.”
The new five-year agreement is now in effect and lasts until December 31, 2029.
CUPE 1699 represents approximately 100 workers in the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George in communities including Prince George, District of Mackenzie, the Villages of McBride and Valemount, and 7 electoral areas.
Original (9:02 a.m.)
The Regional District of Fraser-Fort George is pleased to confirm a tentative Collective Agreement has been reached with CUPE 1699, subject to ratification by both parties.
“We are glad we were able to come together and reach common ground. This agreement gives us a chance to move forward and serve our residents,” says Regional District Chair Lara Beckett.
Details of the agreement will be shared publicly once it is ratified by both parties.
Updates about when landfills, transfer stations and recreation centres will return to normal operations and be posted on Regional District website as soon as the details are available.
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