SEPT-ÎLES, Que. – Workers at Métallurgie Brasco, a subcontractor of Aluminerie Alouette in Sept-Îles, have ratified a three-year collective agreement providing total wage increases of 7% and improvements to shift premiums and benefits. The 150 workers are members of Local 7065 of the United Steelworkers/Syndicat des Métallos.
“This is the beginning of a catch-up in working conditions. For too long, these workers had been offered contracts without significant increases. We are reversing this trend and starting to get back on track,” said Steelworkers staff representative Marc Tremblay.
In addition to the 7% wage increase, bonuses for Sunday shifts and night shifts have been increased, while a new, $2-per-hour premium will be paid to workers performing tank cleaning in recognition of the difficult work.
The contract calls for the employer to assume a greater share of the cost of benefits and insurance premiums, and provides an additional paid sick day, clarification of language to reflect changes to labour laws, and improved overtime provisions.
“The method of calculating overtime is being changed and overtime will be able to be counted for hours worked at the end of a regular shift, which represents significant increases,” said Steelworkers Local 7065 President Nelson Breton.
The contract is retroactive to Jan. 1 and includes a $500 signing bonus.
The United Steelworkers/Syndicat des Métallos, affiliated with the FTQ, is the largest private-sector union in Quebec, representing more than 60,000 workers in all economic sectors.
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