The City of Medicine Hat’s biggest union takes a wage freeze for 2017

The city had put forth a mandate as part of their ‘Financially Fit’ plan to see a zero percent increase in employee wages, as the city struggles to find savings for a $23 million hole left by the low price of oil and gas.

Councillor Julie Friesen said it doesn’t minimize the impact many local families have felt during this downturn with pay cuts and job losses, but she said it shows employees are making an effort.

“Both fire and now CUPE our largest bargaining unit have at least recognized that 2017 is going to be the most difficult year,” said Friesen.

Local union president Karen Davis said employees were mindful of the city’s efforts to reduce costs and the current economic situation.

“I’m proud of them,” she said. “I think as a community we’ve always come forward and stepped up and done our part when times are tough.”

Davis said 79 supported the agreement 23 opposed it.

Mayor Ted Clugston said he was pleased to see the majority of city employees doing their part to help out.

“All of these unions are looking at what they’re giving in Calgary, Edmonton, Lethbridge and Red Deer, all those communities are giving raises this year, all of them,” said Clugston. “And yet they’ve bucked trend, showed courage and said ‘no, we’re going to accept council’s mandate’, which was zero percent.”

Clugston said this sets a precedent for the other upcoming negotiations between the city and other unions.

by Leah Murray

The City of Medicine Hat’s biggest union takes a wage freeze for 2017

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