Legal aid workers who are members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 1949 have signed a tentative agreement that includes an increase in vision care benefits, sick and vacation leave and wages.
“This is not just good news for our members, it’s a major victory for our most vulnerable citizens who rely on legal aid services in Saskatchewan,” said Wanda Towstego, president of CUPE Local 1949, in a press release. “Our bargaining committee fought tirelessly to bring this about and we are hopeful that our members will support this deal.”
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If members agree to the five-year deal, which was reached following 25 bargaining sessions over two years, it will include:
- An increase in annual vision care benefits from $300 to $500 for glasses and $100 to $125 for eye examination coverage;
- Eligibility for four weeks of vacation after seven years of service instead of eight;
- Concessions for sick leave and hours of work; and
- A pay raise of one per cent in the third year and two per cent in each of years four and five.
Over the next few weeks, ratification meetings will be held with each of the 13 legal aid offices with a tentative completion date of early August.
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