The City of Melfort is beginning to ramp up negotiations with the union that represents its workers.
The collective agreement between the city and the Canadian Union of Public Employees 777 ended Dec. 31, 2016.
“We had one meeting so far where we’ve exchanged proposals and there’s another meeting coming up soon,” said Rick Lang, Melfort’s mayor. “We really haven’t gotten into it at all except the both sides have seen what the other side is asking.”
The mayor said there’s a ways to go before there’s an agreement. He added later the two sides haven’t talked about money yet; at this point, they are talking about adjusting language within the agreement.
As a general rule, Saskatchewan communities don’t start negotiating contracts until after one has expired.
“We’re certainly hoping for an agreeable settlement to both sides and as quickly as possible because it’s good to get those things settled,” Lang said.
New campground rules
Those planning to reserve a campsite at the Melfort South Campground will now have new rules to follow, especially when it comes to getting a refund.
Coun. April Phillips, the community services chair, said it was necessary to pass a brand new policy so that expectations are put into writing.
“I believe the biggest [reason] with having the policy was cancellations, so that people knew when booking that they were to give notice of 48 hours and would look at having half of it returned,” she told council June 12.
On top of that, those looking for a refund will have to do that before 2 p.m.
Those that don’t cancel 48 hours before will forfeit their camping fee.
