Richmond City Council has approved a new four-year collective agreement with Locals 718 and 394 of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which represent the City’s inside and outside workers.

The agreement, which covers the period January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2027, will see the City’s unionized employees receive wage increases of 4.5 per cent in 2024, 4.0 per cent in 2025, and 3.5 per cent in 2026 and 2027, as well as a onetime inflationary support and retention lump sum payment. The new Collective Agreement reflects the economic challenges of the past few years and represents a fair and competitive rate structure that will bring long-term labour stability to the City.

A number of other items agreed to through bargaining, such as enhanced health benefits and non-monetary improvements, will strengthen the workforce, improve recruitment and retention, and create efficiencies across the City.

CUPE Locals 718 and 394 ratified the agreement with their members on May 17.