Unionized employees of the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen have a new five-year contract.
The RDOS announced Friday it had ratified an agreement with members of the B.C. Government and Service Employees’ Union that includes wage increases totalling 9 per cent over the life of it.
Those wage increases will cost taxpayers an extra $71,136 in the first year alone.
The union, which represents 61 employees at the RDOS, also won smaller concessions on benefits and vacation time for long-term employees.
The deal takes effect Jan. 1, the day after the current contract expires.