8
THE COUNTDOWN IS ON
WEEKS
Business
Sports
Community
Business trade corridor talks
Elecs/Cougars on the track
Trinity Lutheran at 100
⇢A4-5
⇢B2-3
⇢B6
Wed., May 25, 2016
Issue 2
SERVING THE ENERGY CITY FOR 114 YEARS
www.estevanmercury.ca
Mailing No. 10769 | Publication No. 40069240
Roping Some Fun Bryna Rushfeldt, left, and Ryler Rushfeldt tried their hand at roping during the Cowpokes and Cookoffs event at the Souris Valley Museum on May 21. It was among the western activities offered for children that day. For more on the event and the upcoming season at the museum, see page A3.
Local police have a new CBA By David Willberg dwillberg@estevanmercury.ca
The Estevan Police Association (EPA) and the Estevan Board of Police Commissioners have reached a new collective b a rg a i n i n g a g r e e m e n t (CBA). Details of the pact were announced during a press conference on Tuesday morning at city hall. Police will receive a 2.25 per cent increase for this year, retroactive to Jan. 1, and three per cent wage increases for 2017 and 2018. The new CBA will expire on Dec. 31, 2018. Sgt. Evan Handley, who is the president of the EPA, told the Mercury they had 20 out of 28 members show up to vote on the agreement earlier this
month, and they received 100 per cent support. “Everybody understands the economic times here in Estevan, because we all live here,” said Handley. “We’re all part of this community, and we’re proud to be part of this community.” He didn’t comment when asked whether they received the wage increase they were seeking, but Handley did say wages were one of the most contentious issues. Mayor Roy Ludwig, who also chairs the police board, said wages were the biggest sticking point. They hoped to keep the wage increases closer to what the city employees received in their new pact – six per cent over three years. “When you get into the policing world, it is a
different situation, because with the police settlements around the province, they tend to be higher than the other settlements,” said Ludwig. The mayor noted that police officers in Weyburn, Regina and Saskatoon will receive three per cent increases this year, while Moose Jaw will get a four per cent wage hike. “At the end of the day, it’s reaching a settlement both sides can live with, and we accomplished that,” said Ludwig. The new CBA tackles other issues besides wages. Ludwig noted they have changed the way in which they handle promotions from constable to sergeant. The examination, interview and evaluations will all account for 30 per cent
of the candidate’s score, and seniority will be the remaining 10 per cent. Previously, it was heavily weighted towards seniority. “We think this is probably more fair and appropriate for the members,” said Ludwig. Local police also made gains in terms of clothing purchases, such as gloves, their dental plan, health and wellness plan, and equipment for their gymnasium, which is located in the basement of the police station. Other issues, such as expenses for training and attending courses, and the acquisition of a new police dog, have been referred to a labour liaison management committee that includes members of the EPA and
the police board. The EPS has not had a police dog since the previous dog, Harvey, retired last summer. They do have access to the police dogs from other law enforcement agencies when necessary. Ludwig said they needed six or seven negotiating sessions to reach an agreement, and there were additional discussions. There was talk of bringing in a conciliator at one point, but as both sides continued to meet and as progress occurred, they decided they didn’t need to bring one in. Handley admitted that negotiations were contentious at times. “Most negotiations usually are,” said Handley. “They have their position, and we came in with our
position. We have a good working relationship. We have lots of respect for the board and the people who are on the board, and for Mayor Ludwig.” This was the first time that Handley has headed up negotiations for the EPA, and he believes it was a good experience. EPA past-president Jay Pierson, first vice-president Braden Lonsberry and Saskatchewan Federation of Police Officers executive officer Brenie Eiswirth provided guidance, and the negotiating committee updated members on negotiations. But the EPA said they were glad to have the negotiations completed, and they believe they have a CBA that reflects the changing economics of the city.
Senchuk Ford Sales Ltd.
118 Souris Ave. N., Estevan 306-634-3696 www.senchukford.ca