City of Melville and unionized employees reach tentative agreement

The City of Melville and CUPE 456 that represents 32 permanent city employees, say the two sides have come to a tentative agreement for a new contract.

In February, the union that represents the 32 employees said 93 per cent were in favour of taking job action that could include a full stoppage of city services.

CUPE said that 90 per cent of those eligible to vote did so.

The deal still needs to be ratified by the City of Melville, that is expected to occur on March 17 at the city’s next council meeting.

“We are pleased that we have concluded this round of bargaining and look forward to continuing to provide quality public services for the residents of Melville,” president of CUPE 456 Kevin Schick said in a news release on Friday.

Details of the agreement won’t be released until it’s been ratified, CUPE said.

Among some of the most contentious issues were wages and a high level of turnover among employees.

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According to CUPE, since 2021, 32 permanent fulltime staff resigned. That included 18 in 2023 alone.

The City of Melville’s last agreement with employees ended on Dec. 31, 2023. Bargaining for a new agreement began in March 2024. The City of Melville declared an impasse on Dec. 23, 2024.

CTV News has reached out to the City of Melville for comment and is awaiting a response.