A new collective agreement has been ratified between the City of Kelowna and its unionized workers.

The two-year deal gives three pay increases of 4% each. The first one kicks in on Oct. 1 and is referred to in a city news release as a “market based adjustment.”

The old collective agreement expires at the end of this year so the two other raises will be in 2024 and 2025.

”Securing a new collective agreement during these turbulent economic times provides some security for staff as well as citizens who rely on City services," Stu Leatherdale, divisional director for corporate and protective services for the city, said in the release. “The agreement ensures Kelowna can attract and retain the diverse and skilled work force we need."

The Canadian Union of Public Employees, Local 338, represents 850 city employees, 75% of the workforce.

“Over the past few years, inflationary pressures have been challenging for CUPE 338 members,” Ross Whalen, Local 338 president said, in the news release. “With the immediate four per cent followed by two annual four per cent increases, this agreement is a start to addressing the rising costs of living in terms of wage increases over the next contract.”

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