Gains in wages, improved benefits in new collective agreement: Unifor
Hitachi workers in Guelph, Ont., ratified a new collective agreement on June 6 that includes wage increases, improved life insurance and dental and vision benefits.
“There were concerns about job security but in this round of bargaining the company made it clear that they are committed to the plant and as a result a three-year collective agreement was secured,” said Jerry Escott, president of Local 1917.
The deal will see skilled-trades wages increasing from $33 to $35 by the end of the agreement. The contract also includes an extra $1 per hour when welding, a $0.25 increase on the DB pension (more than $100,000 value) and reduced waiting time for short-term disability, said the union.
Women’s-advocate language and company support of the Unifor social justice fund were also achieved.
