Municipal CUPE workers are still without a contract in Whistler but Squamish has reached a four year contract with its unionized workers.
"They’re in the same economic environment that we are and their political people have responded in a positive way rather than an anti-union way," said Pete Davidson, president of Local 2020 of the Canadian Union of Public Employees.
Whistler’s 25 CUPE members have been working to rule since February. Talks with the municipality are still at an impasse.
Meanwhile the District of Squamish ratified a collective agreement for a four-year term last week. The deal includes a 2.5 per cent raise for 2004, another 2.5 per cent for 2005, to be followed by 3 per cent for 2006 and, for the final year, 3.5 per cent plus a cost of living increase based on changes in the consumer price index.
"Both parties have ratified and council is happy with the end result," said Mayor Ian Sutherland.
Whistler’s workers are looking for a $4,000 cost of living allowance, among other things. Davidson said they are "open to bargain."
