Members of United Steelworkers (USW) Local 6565-02, working at Voith Canada Inc., have ratified a new three-year collective agreement.
The Steelworkers at the manufacturing plant in Hawkesbury, Ont., refurbish rolls for the paper industry and work as machinists, maintenance mechanics, shippers and receivers, as well as grinder, drill, covering or lathe operators.
The largest win for these members was in the wage category, seeing a 19% increase over the life of the contract. They will also receive shift premium increases, an improved overtime rate trigger and a signing bonus.
Additional monetary gains were made in pay-for-knowledge premiums being integrated into workers’ salaries, which has a ripple effect in increasing RRSP contributions, overtime pay and vacation pay.
“I’m proud of what our bargaining committee achieved in this round of bargaining,” said Marc Tessier, Unit Chair and one of the members who sat at the bargaining table. “We are happy to hear the members appreciated the work we did on their behalf.”
Several benefits categories in the contract were improved, such as increases to dental, paramedical, major medical and short-term and long-term disability benefits.
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