City Council recently ratified a new three-year collective agreement with the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU).

The agreement had previously been ratified on July 29, 2011.

The current agreement is in effect from Jan. 1, 2011 until Dec. 31, 2013.

“Negotiations proceeded well and both parties are satisfied,” said Marge Wray, the City’s human resources manager.

For each of the years that the plan is in effect, ATU employees will see a 3% wage increase in January. At this point they can look forward to a 3% increase in January of 2012 and 2013.

The ratifications of this agreement took place over 13 days of bargaining and negotiating.

“This three year agreement will help to maintain the relationship that has been built between the ATU and the City of Red Deer.”

Wray said both the ATU and the City felt that the new agreement meets current and future needs.