The Town of Oliver and its unionized staff have reached an agreement.

The agreement includes a 7 1/2 % increase in wages over four years plus a safety footwear allowance and some other changes. It was made clear by the CUPE negotiator that the union had no wish to disrupt water services to Oliver and the rural area.

Both sides reached agreement to include wording in the contract that ensures that all water and sewer services provided by the Town are deemed essential. Both sides worked very hard to reach an acceptable contract.

Council acknowledges its skilled and dedicated work force and is very happy that a labour disruption has been avoided.   The settlement does include an increase in wages and council will have to revisit our operational budget.

In early discussions, council has hopes that the increase can be found within the budget and that for 2012 we can avoid an increase to the tax payer.

Ron Hovanes