Penn-Co Employees Vote Overwhelmingly in Favour of Ratifying New Three-Year Contract

Blumenort, MB—Local 52, 63, 151, and 152 members employed by Penn-Co Construction Canada (2003) Ltd. voted overwhelmingly in favour of ratifying a three-year collective agreement providing them with annual wage increases and many other improvements.

The new contract provides members with wage increases of three percent in year one, two percent in year two, and CPI in year three. New shift schedules (15/6, 21/7), each with an additional premium attached, were also negotiated. Members will also see improvements to employer contributions to their pension plan and RSP along with a doubling of the gear allowance (from $300 to $600 per year). The contract includes improvements to meal allowances as well as to night shift, health and safety representative, discretionary, and bunk premiums. Paid travel time and minimum camp standards were also improved.

The 271 members, who are employed as carpenters, operators, labourers, and ironworkers, voted 97 percent in favour of ratifying the new contract.