Bearskin Airlines workers in Thunder Bay, Ont., sign new contract

Wages, top rates rise in all years of deal: UFCW

United Food and Commercial Workers Canada (UFCW), Local 175 members working at Bearskin Airlines in Thunder Bay, Ont., signed a new collective agreement on Feb. 27 that provides improvements to wages and contract language.

Bearskin Airlines is a regional airline that connects passengers in Northern Ontario and Manitoba.

As part of the new three-year contract, members will receive wage increases of 1.5 per cent in years one and two of the agreement, and 1 per cent in year three. In addition, top rates will improve by two per cent in years one and two, and 2.5 per cent in the third year of the contract, said the union.

Sick-day provisions have also been improved, as members can now bank up to 80 hours that can be paid out upon resignation. As well, the employer will provide a shoe allowance of $50 in year one, $55 in year two and $60 in year three of the agreement. The training premium has also improved to $1.50 per hour, up from $0.50 per hour, according to the UFCW.

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