Significant Wage Gains for Waste Management Workers

Sarnia, ON—Employees of Waste Management of Canada Corporation (Lambton County Landfill Division) ratified a three-year collective agreement providing them with significant wage gains over the term.

The employees are represented by Manufacturing, Transportation, and Allied Workers Union, CLAC Local 519.

The new contract includes total monetary package increases ranging between 15.5 and 16.5 percent over the term, depending on classification. Employees will receive an immediate 3 percent wage increase retroactive to June 1, 2019, 3.5 percent in 2020, and 3.5 percent in 2021. The new contract also includes a $1,000 signing bonus and increases to boot and tool allowances and lead-hand premiums.

“Bargaining for the new contract was a long process,” says Ryan Griffioen, CLAC representative. “But in the end, the members are happy with the result. This agreement provides them with excellent monetary increases in the face of uncertainty.”

The 18 Waste Management employees covered by the contract include heavy and light equipment operators, mechanics, and general labourers working at the Twin Creeks Landfill in Watford and the Waste Management Transfer Station in Petrolia.