Waste Management Employees Ratify Strong New Contract

Sarnia, ON—Drivers and mechanics employed by Waste Management of Canada in Lambton County voted 91 percent in favour of a new three-year contract.

The agreement was negotiated by their union, Manufacturing, Transportation, and Allied Workers Union, CLAC Local 519.

The agreement provides employees with a monetary package increase of roughly ten and a half percent over the next three years. The contract includes wage rate increases, improved pension contributions, higher safety and tool allowances, and higher benefits premium funding to keep the health benefits fully employer funded.

“This is an excellent settlement,” says Ryan Griffioen, CLAC representative. “We made some strong gains on a number of members’ priorities, which resulted in a very high percentage voting in favour of the contract.”

Local 519 has represented the drivers in Lambton County for over 20 years. The local also represents Waste Management’s landfill division in Lambton County, made up of heavy and light equipment operators, heavy equipment mechanics, and labourers. The landfill division is currently in bargaining for a renewal collective agreement.