New Contract for Besterd Mechanical Employees Provides Significant Wage Increases

London, ON—Employees of Besterd Mechanical, based in London, voted overwhelmingly in favour of ratifying a three-year collective agreement providing them with significant wage increases and a number of other improvements.

The 15 sheetmetal division and refrigeration division employees are represented by Construction Workers Union, CLAC Local 53. The union has represented them since May 2017.

The new contract provides journeypersons with an $8.48 per hour (or 17 percent) total increase over the term. Along with annual wage improvements, employees will receive increases to vacation pay and employer contributions to their pension plan. Funding improvement for healthcare benefits was also secured, along with the introduction of new coverage for orthodontic procedures. The calculation of daily travel pay for employees was also greatly enhanced.

“We are pleased to deliver this strong settlement, ratified by 91 percent of the membership,” says Roger Grootenboer, CLAC representative. “The terms provide security and compensation for our members—excellent wages, strong healthcare benefits, and a solid pension plan they can trust.”