News Release
For Immediate Release
September 2, 2016
Happy Valley – Goose Bay, NL – Labour negotiations between the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay and CUPE Local 2019 have continued.
The Town made its last offer on August 26th, which was voted on and rejected by the Union. The Union membership held a strike vote which passed and they now have a strike mandate.
The Town remains committed to achieving a balanced agreement for its employees that allows for the delivery of quality services to the community, without raising taxes.
“The Town recognizes the value of its employees and we also have an obligation to the community to be fiscally responsible in offering a wage increase that is equitable for employees but that will not increase taxes,” said Mayor Jamie Snook. “We reduced the residential property tax mil rate in the 2016 budget by 21.9 per cent to alleviate the financial burden of increasing property assessments on residents. Municipalities rely heavily on taxes as the main revenue source and a high increase in wages would cause the need to adjust the mil rate.”
The Town is committed to reaching an agreement so as to avoid a labour disruption for the community. We appreciate the community’s patience as we work to negotiate a new collective agreement.
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Media Contact:
Naomi Sharpe
Public Relations & Special Events Manager
Town of Happy Valley – Goose Bay
c) 709-896-1609
publicrelations@hvgb.wpengine.com