The City of St. John’s will have labour peace for the next four years after council ratified a new contract with CUPE at Tuesday’s meeting, but the deal was not unanimously endorsed.

Workers get a four per cent raise this year and an average of three per cent over the next three years for a total of about 13 until the contract expires in the summer of 2030.

Two councillors – Brenda Halley and Tom Davis – voted against it.

Deputy Mayor and Finance Lead Ron Ellsworth said it’s a delicate balancing act but the agreement gives council and its employees certainty over the next four years, and gives taxpayers certainty for programs and services being provided for the next four years.

“We’re still struggling to maintain our workforce, and we still have vacancies we’re trying to fill,” said Deputy Mayor Ellsworth.

Councillor Davis is concerned with the financial pressure the contract puts on property owners, renters, businesses, and others.

“People who have a single apartment in their home may be able to absorb the increases over time but there could be a tipping point when we raise taxes to where there’s a major correction and people go from affordable rent to a large jump in the cost of rent,” said Coun. Davis.