Unionized workers at Goldcorp Canada in Timmins have ratified a new-five year contract showing major gains in wages.
A news release from United Steelworkers Local 7580 said its 250 members have a new collective agreement that will see wages go up 20 per cent for those in operations and 26 per cent for tradespeople. Wages will be boosted higher through adjustments based on job classifications and cost-of-living increases.
Operations workers receive a $4,000 contract signing bonus with trades getting $1,000. There are also increases in shift premiums and improvements to pensions and benefits, according to the release.
“Meaningful increases” are in the offing in short-term and long-term disability benefits. The new contract also includes provisions on parental and bereavement leave, job classification language, safety boot allowances and personal protective equipment.
In a statement, Myles Sullivan, director of USW District 6 for Ontario and Atlantic Canada, called the deal a “big win” for its membership, marking the 11th successive collective agreement “reached without a conflict” between the union and the company.
“This round of contract negotiations is part of a continuing pattern of success we have been seeing at our bargaining tables in the last couple of years,” he said. "Workers are winning more – and deservedly so – as a result of the profits they are generating for their employers.”
