CEP
In voting on July 16, 130 members of CEP Local 324-99 voted 77 percent in favour of a new four-year collective agreement with Ainsworth covering its OSB in Barwick.
“CEP’s relationship with Ainsworth has improved dramatically since a near strike in 2010 and these negotiations were very reflective of that improvement,” said CEP national representative Stephen Boon.
“This deal offers long-term stability for the Barwick mill and, most importantly, provides stronger contract language and major monetary improvements for our members in Fort Frances and Emo,” Boon added.
The contract—effective Aug. 1, 2013-July 31, 2017—features a 2.5 percent wage increase in each of the four years.
Other key terms of the deal include:
•a $.50/hour wage top-up for all trades;
•a $.25/hour increase in shift differential;
•new work boot option of $150 annually, or $300 every two years; and
•improved language related to schedule changes, overtime, spares, temporary vacancies, and pay for skills.
