Management and staff working for the municipality of Kincardine who thought they were getting a 3.5 per cent increase in wages in January, better think again.
The deal was turned down by town councillors on Wednesday.
The negotiating committee brought a four year package to the council table that had been agreed upon.
It called for a 13 per cent increase in wages for staff over the life of the pact.
However in a recorded vote, the motion to accept was defeated 5-4.
Mayor Larry Kraemer says it means there’s no deal and negotiations have to start over.
Kraemer says it’s his first experience with a negotiated settlement like that not passing at council
He says when the details were presented last week at a closed session, the majority were in favour but a week later obviously some minds have changed.
Councillor Randy Roppel was one of the dissenting voters saying he needs more information on Kincardine’s financial health.
Roppel says if they’re in a deficit then they have to take a long, hard look at what they’re going to do to offset the cost of operating the community.
He says if they’re in a surplus, they still have to spend their money wisely.
Roppel suggests the new negotiations be put on hold until the new CAO is on board so they hear his advice.
The new CAO starts in February.
Others voting against the contract are: Ron Coristine; Jacqueline Faubert; Mike Leggett and Deputy Mayor Anne Eadie.
Some voted “no” because of the length of the contract at four-years.
