CUPE 543.1, representing the dedicated inside workers at the City of Windsor, have voted to ratify a new four-year collective agreement after working without a contract since December 31, 2024.
“Despite being without a contract for over six months, our bargaining committee has secured key gains for our members,” said CUPE 543 President Patrick Murchison. “This agreement recognizes the hard work that our members do day in and day out to keep the City of Windsor running.”
Highlights of the new agreement include:
- Improved Hours of Work: A large group of full-time members will move from a 33.75-hour to a 35-hour work week, aligning hours with fair and modern workplace standards.
- Historic Language Updates: New language has been negotiated for our Recreational staff — the first major update in over 25 years.
- Wage Increases: The agreement includes a total wage increase of 12.9% over four years.
- Services to the Public Remain Uninterrupted: We are proud to report that service levels remained stable throughout the bargaining process.
Murchison attributed the gains made in the new agreement to the strength and unity of local members. “Without our members, the gains made in this agreement wouldn’t have been possible,” said Murchison. “The CUPE 543 UNITED campaign — featuring wristbands, pins, and shirts — helped energize and mobilize our members throughout negotiations. We extend our deepest thanks to all members who stood in solidarity, and to the City Councillors who participated in the democratic ratification process.”