A strong bargaining team fought back multiple concession demands at Tank Truck Transport’s Sudbury terminal to win 7.5% in wage increases over three years, plus gains in vacation, vision care and more.
The 28 workers who drive trucks that haul slurry for Glencore and maintain the fleet are members of United Steelworkers union (USW) Local 2020, Unit 70. About a third of the members have worked for the company for 10 years or more.
Thanks to a strong and communicative bargaining committee, the unit was able to beat back the company’s demands for cuts in an intense five days of talks.
Instead of the big “zero” in wage increases proposed by the company, the union won 3.5% wage gains in the first year, followed by two years of 2% wage increases for a total of 7.5% over the three-year contract. The agreement runs until March 31, 2025.
Members maintained their sick benefits and beat back the company’s attempt to strip a top-up provision that enhances employment insurance benefits. They stood strong and increased their overtime provisions, resisting a company proposal to rearrange hours of work that would have paid out less overtime.
The union negotiated a new stat holiday – Sept. 30, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – and expanded vacation to four weeks after 10 years of service at 8%, an improvement over the previous vacation limit of three weeks. Members also won improved vision benefits and increased payments for work overalls.
“These members worked throughout the pandemic, and that deserved recognition,” said Roger Morin, President of USW Local 2020. “In a tight labour market, companies need to offer competitive wages and benefits to attract and retain their employees. The strong negotiation team, with the solidarity of the union members helped the company recognize that.”
“The USW continues to win gains by bargaining in better times,” said Myles Sullivan, USW District 6 Director. “Members of Local 2020, Unit 70, at Tank Truck Transport brought a tough but respectful approach to bargaining. With the backing of their membership, they were able to stare down the company’s concessions and instead win wage increases and other gains they deserve. Way to go!”
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