February 24, 2014: The Town of Fort Erie and its unionized employees have come to terms on a new collective agreement, averting the possibility of a labour disruption.

Representatives of management and the Canadian Union of Public Employees Local #714 met February 18, 2014 with a provincially-appointed conciliation officer and reached a three-year tentative agreement. Among other things, the agreement provides for wage increases of two percent in each year. Members of the bargaining unit voted 96% in favour of accepting the deal last week and Town council approved the agreement this evening.

In January, members Local #714 gave their bargaining team a “strong mandate” to withdraw their services if a settlement could not be reached. Their collective agreement with the Town expired December 31, 2013.

The union represents approximately 80 full time and casual employees in roads, water and wastewater, parks, facilities and office functions.