CBU BOG Ratifies Agreement with CUPE Local 3131 

Members of the Cape Breton University Board of Governors agreed unanimously at the October 20, Board Meeting to ratify an agreement with members of CUPE Local 3131. The ratification comes after a tentative agreement was reached with the assistance of a Provincial Conciliator in September.

“We are thrilled to now have this agreement unanimously ratified,” says President and Vice-Chancellor, David C. Dingwall. “We certainly value our colleagues in CUPE Local 3131 and the knowledge and skillsets that they bring to CBU. The fair treatment of employees is of the utmost importance to us at CBU. These monetary changes made are very much in line with the benefits other CBU union groups receive and the increase in hours worked creates a more equitable environment for all employees. The addition of a centralized professional development fund further allows CBU to strengthen investment in the exceptional talent of our CUPE Local 3131 members.”

Details of the agreement include:

Yearly Monetary Increases

•   Year 1 – 4.15% (Apr. 1, 2023 – Retroactive)
•   Year 2 – 2% (Apr. 1, 2024)
•   Year 3 – 2.25% (Apr. 1, 2025)

Additional Monetary Changes

•   All CUPE Employees will move up one (1) band and be placed on a step with a salary that is equal to or greater than the employee’s salary prior to April 1, 2023;

Total Average Monetary Increase due to band changes, for Year 1: 3.93%;

Total Average Monetary Increase in Year 1:  8.08% (3.93% + 4.15%)  

Other Changes

•   Article 14 – Hours of Work

o   Effective April 1, 2024, all CUPE staff members will increase their hours of work to 35 hours per week (Equivalent to a 2.25% average increase in salary)

Article 34 – Professional Development

o   Effective April 1, 2024, CBU will establish a professional development fund of up to $30,000 per fiscal year for CUPE staff members

The terms of this deal are in effect for three years and the full agreement will be added to web when finalized.