Significant Wage Increases for Westgreen Contracting Employees with New Agreement

Abbotsford, BC—Employees of Langley-based Westgreen Contracting Ltd. ratified a three-year collective agreement providing them with significant wage increases and other improvements.

The employees are represented by Construction Workers Union, CLAC Local 68. The union has represented them since 2011.

The contract, which covers operators, pipelayers, drivers, labourers, and forepersons, provides employees with 16 percent wage increases over the term. In addition, $3 per hour matching RSP contributions is available for those who have worked 10,000 hours with the company. Other improvements include $1 per hour premium for stewards who complete the union’s Toolbox 2 steward training program and a switch from hour bank to direct pay for employees’ health benefits plan.

“This is an excellent agreement that was strongly endorsed by the membership with 100 percent voting in favour of ratification,” says Joe Okhueleigbe, CLAC representative. “Wage increases were a priority this round of bargaining due to recent and ongoing inflationary pressures. The contract also helps the employer attract and retain staff in a competitive labour market.”

Westgreen is an underground utility installer currently working on projects in Abbotsford.