The Town of Cochrane is sharing some of the details of the deal struck between the municipality and CUPE that ultimately ended the nearly two-month strike.
About 60 people from CUPE Local 71 went back to work last week after going on strike July 31. Over the weekend, Mayor Peter Politis shared a statement with information on the increases included in the deal members voted in favour of.
The deal agreed upon by the town and CUPE is increases of two per cent raise, three per cent, 2.75 per cent and 2.5 per cent, which is about a three-quarter per cent increase in cost from the town’s starting position.
“We are content that while there is an increased cost to the public as a result of the strike, the cost was kept manageable and reasonable, all considered,” Politis said in the statement.
“While there will be much debate on the perspective and what it means, the town and council are content that the impact is a reasonable and manageable one all considered, while providing the employees with some of the much-needed relief from the turbulence of the pandemic that they were seeking. A balanced and fair outcome.”
Politis said he wants to ensure there continues to be transparency and communication with the public.
“Our challenge as a town and council was to find balance in being fair to our employees, who we care about and respect, while also being fair to public who ultimately pays for this while they too are also trying to navigate these volatile and unstable times,” he said.
“In this, the town and council would like to congratulate our employees on securing a fair deal to help them as individuals navigate this uncertain era, while also taking the opportunity to express just how happy we are that they are back on the job.”
Politis said they would also like to thank the public for their patience and understanding throughout the strike.
“We never lost sight of the fact that ultimately it’s you who pay the price both in the current circumstances of lost services, and the future with paying the bill,” he said.
The strike action was a topic at Cochrane council's Sept. 26 meeting, where Politis talked publicly about it for the first time.
SEE: Cost of Cochrane strike being added up
A report on the cost of the strike is also being prepared, although timeframe wasn't given for when it will be brought back to council.