Seven collective agreements between the provincial government and CUPE have been ratified.

The agreements include a two per cent wage increase each year for four years, a one-time employee recognition bonus payment of $2,000, increases to travel on employer’s business provisions including meal allowances and vehicle usage, and flexibility for employees to substitute a statutory holiday.

Maternity, adoption or parental leave without pay has been increased to 78 weeks and paid family-violence leave has been added, allowing employees to take time away from the workplace.

The agreements include workers represented by CUPE in hospital support, the school board, the Provincial Information and Libraries Board, Government House, group homes and transition houses and the NL Housing Corporation.