Pensions boosted, age to qualify reduced: USW
Improved wages, benefits and pensions are among the gains achieved by United Steelworkers (USW) members in a new collective agreement with Goldcorp in Timmins, Ont.
Members of Steelworkers Local 7580 voted overwhelmingly on Oct. 30 to ratify a three-year collective agreement that includes total wage increases of six per cent, a $500 signing bonus and improved language on cost-of-living allowances, according to USW.
The new contract for 280 workers will also provide pension benefit increases of more than eight per cent over the agreement's term — to $66 per month — per year of service. As well, the qualifying age for a full pension has been reduced to 62, said the union.
The agreement includes several benefits improvements and an increase in the parental leave top-up to $225 per week. The contract strengthens language on recall and seniority rights, employee training related to technological change, as well as new provisions to support employees affected by domestic violence, said the USW.
Ratification of the new contract marks the ninth successive collective agreement reached between the USW and Goldcorp without a labour dispute over a period of 27 years.
