TWI Employees Overwhelmingly Ratify New Two-Year Contract

Edmonton—Local 63 members employed by Technical Workforce Inc. (TWI) ratified a two-year collective agreement providing them with wage increases and many other improvements. Members voted 81 percent in favour of ratification.

The new contract provides members with a four percent wage increase effective February 4, 2024, and a three percent wage increase effective February 2, 2025. The night-shift premium increases from $2 per hour to $3 per hour, a 10 cents per hour boot allowance applies from day one of employment, and a 25 cents per hour premium will be paid to designated first aiders on site. Vacation pay increases to eight percent after four years of service and ten percent after nine years. Overtime will be paid when an employee works on any regularly scheduled day off, provided they have completed their scheduled hours for the week or have been granted an approved leave of absence. Benefits improvements include  to bereavement provisions, prescription safety eyewear, life insurance for spouse and dependent child, prescription drug coverage, massage, and vision care. In addition, employer contributions to the benefits premium were increased.

The comprehensive new agreement also features general language updates, including the addition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as a statutory holiday. TWI, an arm of Graham Construction, employs approximately 150 Local 63 members (100 in Edmonton and 50 in Calgary) working in civil and commercial construction.