Paradise workers to get 13 percent pay hike

By Mark Squibb

The Town of Paradise has approved a new collective agreement that will see a 13 precent raise for unionized workers over the next four years.

Council approved the collective agreement in a private meeting after NAPE members voted in favour of the agreement in mid-October and called a special public meeting on October 22 to ratify the approval publicly.

The new four-year deal, which retroactively came into effective July 1 and will expire June 30, 2028, will provide a 13 percent salary increase to NAPE members, do away with step increases, and add a 0.5 percent increase to match RRSP contributions.

“The current, three-year agreement expired on June 30, 2024, and negotiations between the committees representing council and the local began in June,” said councillor Larry Vaters. “Negotiations were cooperative, collaborative, and respectful, with both committees working towards a common goal.”

Vaters explained the former contract — which was negotiated during the COVID pandemic, and was the first agreement struck by any of the Northeast Avalon’s largest municipalities — provided members a 4.5 percent increase over three years. Following that agreement, neighbouring municipalities offered members an average increase of 9.8 percent.

“This put the Town at a disadvantage in recruiting employees who provide essential services to the town,” admitted Vaters.

Workers will receive a seven percent increase in the first year, a three percent increase in year two, a two percent increase in year three, and a one percent increase in year four.

“I’m happy to see the Town and NAPE’s collective bargaining unit have come together to solidify a new four-year collective agreement,” said councillor Glen Carew. “This agreement will be instrumental in both staff retention, and in attracting much needed new hires to our work force in the town and puts us in line with our municipal neighbours. This is a fair agreement to both the Town and our unionized employees.”

Councillor Patrick Martin said the Town has had difficulty filling staff positions in recent years, and he believes the new agreement will help see those positions filled.

The motion to approve the agreement passed unanimously.

The Town’’s unionized workers are members of Local 7814 of the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Public and Private Employees.