After a long period of bargaining and statements, United Steelworkers - Local 1-2017 and Conifer have reached a tentative agreement.
In a release, United Steelworkers Local 1-2017 says the tentative agreement was reached on Feb. 13 in Prince George.
Picket line action in Prince George occurred on Oct. 25 after rotating strikes began on Oct. 17, with the first being Tolko Lakeview in Williams Lake.
At that time, all other Conifer operations were under an overtime ban.
The deal would provide fair wage increases to members as well as significant improvements to benefits and contractual language.
Other details include:
- Wage increases in each year of the agreement.
- Two per cent in the first four years and two and a half per cent in the last year.
- The two per cent wage increase is retroactive to Jul. 1, 2018.
- Shift differential premium will increase from 31 cents to 40 cents per hour (the first increase to the shift differential premium since 1981).
- First Aid premium will increase from 86 cents to $1.00.
United Steelworkers says there will also be a reduction of LTD premiums by 22 cents per hour which will add to more take-home pay.
Other improvements would see Health and Welfare in Chripractic/Naturopath, Orthotics and Counselling/Psychology benefits as well as an increase to Group Life Insurance/AD&D by $20,000 to $140,000.
Workers would also receive $500 upon ratification and another $500 on Jul. 1, 2020, to all active regular employees.
"The Bargaining Committee was able to fend off disappointing concessions presented by the employer during this round of bargaining by the strong will of our membership with a strong strike vote and rotating job action; however the probationary period for new employees hired after ratification will go to 60 days/six months from the present 30 working days in 90," United Steelworkers - Local 1-2017 says in the release. "Eligible benefits such as Medical, Dental; Insurance will begin as they have in the past after 30 in 90."
The bargaining committee is recommending acceptance of the proposed memorandum.
United Steelworkers 1-2017 represents 5,200 members in forestry, value-added, mining, construction, electrical, trucking, automotive, energy, healthcare and landfill sites, according to the union's website.
