Wednesday, February 26, 2025

Arcadian Projects Employees See Significant Wage Increases with New Contract

New Hamburg, ON—Employees of Arcadian Projects Inc., a multitrade contractor based in New Hamburg, Ontario, overwhelmingly ratified a three-year collective agreement providing them with significant wage increases and many other improvements.

The 45 journeyperson and apprentice electricians, plumbers, millwrights, refrigeration technicians, and labourers voted 97 percent in favour of ratifying the settlement negotiated by Construction Workers Union, CLAC Local 6. The union was certified by the Ontario Labour Relations Board to represent the company’s employees in September 2021.

The new contract provides journeypersons with over $10 per hour in wage increases, or 27 percent, over the term. In addition, employer contributions to employees’ pension plan increases from six percent of base wages to eight percent this year and to ten percent in 2026. The contract includes numerous benefits improvements, including an increase in life insurance payout from $25,000 to $70,000, an increase in vision-care coverage from $200 to $500, an increase in paramedical coverage from $500 to $600, and an increase in coverage for prescription medication of 90 percent or 95 percent. Other improvements include to the tool and boot allowance from $400 per year after one year of service to $500 per year after 6 months, to the daily out-of-town food allowance from $50 to $60, and to the mileage rate from 55 cents per kilometre to 64 cents. The contract also provides new premiums for gas fitters and those performing pressure piping as well as an increase in the night-shift premium from 10 percent to 12 percent. Another first during this round of bargaining is the implementation of regularly scheduled labour-management meetings to deal with employees’ concerns.

“I’m pleased to accept the new contract and appreciated that management was open and honest during the negotiations,” says Bob Burbank, a journeyman electrician, steward, and member of the union bargaining committee.

CLAC representative Marco Mueller, who led negotiations for the union, concurs. “We’re pleased that the employer came to negotiations ready and willing to listen to the members. This agreement is a strong step forward for the membership at Arcadian, one which will greatly help them and their families during these times of economic uncertainty. The new contract will not only help to retain their services, but it will also help with future recruitment of qualified prospects.”

Arcadian Projects is active in the institutional, commercial, residential, agricultural, municipal, and manufacturing sectors. They are a formidable force in the renewable energy sector. The company specializes in smart, clean, and energy-efficient building systems. It is active across Ontario, primarily in New Hamburg, Stratford, Mitchell, Brantford, the Tri-Cities region, Guelph, and the GTA.

Arcadian Projects Employees See Significant Wage Increases with New Contract

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