The City of Courtenay and CUPE Local 556 have ratified a new four-year collective agreement.

The City says the deal reflects a shared commitment to employees and recognizes the important role they play in delivering reliable public services, while balancing the need for fiscal responsibility.

The new collective agreement is retroactive to January 1, 2025, and runs until December 31, 2028. It includes general wage increases of $2.00 per hour in the first year, followed by five percent in the second year, four percent in the third year, and three and a half percent in the fourth year.

The settlement, according to a release from the City, represents a balanced outcome that supports wage competitiveness, advances key employer priorities, and modernizes the collective agreement to reflect current legal requirements and workplace practices.

The parties also agreed to updates that support employee health and wellbeing while enhancing service delivery, along with revisions to improve clarity and consistency in the agreement language.

City Manager Geoff Garbutt says employees are at the heart of the services they provide, and this agreement reflects their value to the organization, supporting their contributions while ensuring the City can continue to deliver reliable services now and into the future.

Sonya Jenssen, president of CUPE 556, says the agreement recognizes the dedication and commitment of employees who work to meet the operational needs of the community and ensure services are delivered when they are needed most.

Read the media release at City of Courtenay.