Toronto – Steelworkers track maintenance workers for CN Rail have ratified a new three-year agreement. The deal gives 3,000 members of USW Local 2004 annual wage increases of three per cent.
"This was a respectful round of bargaining that resulted in a good agreement that both sides are happy with," said Ken Neumann, USW National Director. "I'm proud of this negotiating team and all of USW Local 2004. They stuck together, bargained hard and won improvements," he added.
Members of USW Local 2004 are track maintenance workers across Canada for CN Rail. Bargaining took place in Montreal over several months.
"Wages were clearly a priority for our members in these negotiations. In addition, the members wanted stronger language around contracting out, and we were able to do that," Neumann said.
The new collective agreement extends to December 31, 2014, and includes improvements to the health care plan for retirees as well as enhancements to the sickness, parental leave and dental benefits plans.
In addition, a skills retention program provides for retirees to return to work for up to three days a week to help train new employees who are USW members.
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Contacts:
Ken Neumann, USW National Director, 416-544-5951
Bob Gallagher, USW Communications, 416-544-5966 bgallagher@usw.ca