Thursday, June 9, 2022 Paynel Employees Unanimously Ratify New Contract Providing Significant Wage Gains Locals Local 52 Ratifications Sectors Construction Cookstown, ON—Employees of Paynel Electrical Contractors Limited, based in Cookstown, voted unanimously in favour of a three-year collective agreement providing them with significant wage increases and numerous other improvements. The employees are represented by Construction Workers Union, CLAC Local 52. The union has represented the employees since February 2019. The new contract provides an 11 percent increase to wages in the first year alone. Total hourly compensation will increase by $7.98 per hour over the term of the agreement. In addition, many employees will receive additional vacation pay because of a negotiated increase for longer term employees. The contract also improves travel pay and travel reimbursement, boot allowance, and overtime and night-shift premium pay. Premiums for forepersons and lead hands, who provide leadership to crews on site, will also increase. The union was also able to secure two paid sickness/emergency leave days and a paid day for the birth or adoption of an employee’s child. “The union and the employer had very productive talks, and we identified a lot of shared priorities,” says Robert Brink, CLAC representative. “Wage gains were most important for our members. The bargaining committee’s commitment to improving things for their fellow members never wavered, and we got a great settlement as a result, as evidenced by the unanimous approval.” The 38 CLAC members employed by Paynel work on industrial, commercial, and institutional projects throughout Ontario. You might be interested in Why We Work Safely 5 Jun 2026 Standing Your Ground, and Staying Steady on the Job 4 Jun 2026 CLAC Partners with Alberta Government to Advance Skilled Trades Training and Accelerate Certification 4 Jun 2026 Strathcona Mechanical Workers Ratify New Agreement Providing Wage, Scheduling Improvements 3 Jun 2026