Wage hikes, signing bonus, boosted benefits part of new deal
Workers at Rio Tinto’s smelter in Kitimat, B.C., ratified a four-year collective agreement July 28.
“I’m proud of our members for fighting for a fair agreement. This was not an easy deal to achieve,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor national president.
Highlights of the new contract include a 10.75 per cent wage increase over four years, increases in extended medical benefits, a signing bonus and a revised grievance process.
“These are good union jobs that help maintain the local community,” said Gavin McGarrigle, Unifor BC area director. “It was important to entrench job security and provide ongoing economic gains for workers at the smelter.”
