New Contract for Employees at Kent-Erie Glass

DATE: October 25, 2010

Chatham, ON—With unanimous support, employees of Chatham-based Kent Erie Glass voted to ratify the contract settlement negotiated on their behalf by Construction Workers Local 53. The three-year contract provides wage increases for journeypersons of $1.65 per hour over the term of the agreement. A more significant key in the settlement for the employees is a considerable increase in pension funding. Employees will see the hourly employer contribution to employee pensions rise from the present rate of $1.90 per hour worked to $2.25 per hour worked.

“More and more, employees are considering the long term implications of their income,” says Roger Grootenboer, Ontario representative. “Employees in this workplace wanted to invest in their future. Both management and the union were able to see the value in that investment so that our members not only earn a fair wage now but that they and their families have security and stability for the future as well. We are pleased that the future for these employees and their jobs remains in Chatham-Kent.”