Essex County inside and outside workers had been on the job without a contract since last March, but now the unionized workers have ratified a new three-year contract.
CUPE Local 2974.1 represents a range of workers in administrative, technical, operational, and professional classifications.
The new agreement is retroactive to April 1, 2026 and will award the workers a four per cent wage increase each year of the contract.
The workers also won enhanced eye-care benefits, a new annual health care spending account, better statutory holiday pay, increased funding for safety footwear, and paid time for employees to maintain specialized drivers' licenses.
"This agreement recognizes the dedication and professionalism of County of Essex employees, while also respecting the ability of residents to pay," said Interim Director of Human Resources, Danielle Dunlop. "Our discussions with the union were positive and productive, resulting in an agreement that provides labour stability through to March 2029."
Non-monetary changes in the contract also include updated language for job postings, bereavement leave, and organizational changes.
