Fortress Concrete Forming Employees Secure Yearly Wage Increases with New Contract

Burford, ON—Employees of Fortress Concrete Forming Inc., based in Burford, Ontario, unanimously ratified a three-year collective agreement providing them with yearly wage increases and other improvements.

The employees are represented by Construction Workers Union, CLAC Local 53. The union was certified by the Ontario Labour Relations Board on April 13, 2015, to represent the company’s employees.

The new contract provides an immediate four percent wage increase followed by a three percent increase in 2025 and a five percent increase in 2026. In addition, employer contributions to employees’ retirement savings will increase one percent in each year of the agreement for a total of eight percent by the end of the contract’s term. Other improvements include a reimbursement for prescription safety glasses at $300 per year and increases to the tool and boot allowance, mileage rates, and out-of-town meal allowance.

“This is a strong settlement,” says Marco Mueller, CLAC representative. “The union bargaining committee negotiated a 16.75 percent total increase to members’ wages, pension, and benefits premiums over the next three years. With the cost of living rising drastically over the past few years, this settlement gives back members’ buying power and helps provide for a good future.”

Fortress Concrete Forming employs carpenters and labourers. The company is active throughout southern Ontario but primarily in the Tri-Cities area.