Grand Forks reaches agreement with CUPE workers

By Boundary Sentinel

CUPE Local 4728 President Sukie Lawrence and Grand Forks Mayor Frank Konrad shake hands on a new four-plus year agreement. — Photo courtesy City of Grand Forks

The City of Grand Forks announced Wednesday it has reached an agreement with its union workers following two days of bargaining.

Mayor Frank Konrad said the agreement with CUPE Local 4728 is for four plus years.

“I’m pleased that everything worked out so well, and I’m very happy with the results for the corporation and CUPE members," Konrad said in a media release.

Konrad said management and the Union worked together to find new terms that saw a unanimous ratification by the Union and by Council.

He said both sides walked away feeling happy with the results that included a two percent per year wage increase and changes to allow more flexibility in employee scheduling.

“CUPE Local 4728 is satisfied with the results of 2017 bargaining round. We look forward to four years of partnership with the City of Grand Forks and maintaining a safe working environment for all of our members.” said CUPE Local 4728 President Sukie Lawrence.