Higher wages, better shift premiums included in new deal: USW
United Steelworkers (USW) members employed at Scapa Tapes North America in Renfrew, Ont., ratified a new collective agreement on Nov. 28.
The 137 members of USW, Local 6946 work in production and maintenance positions at the Scapa plant — which produces adhesive tapes for medical, athletic, consumer and industrial applications.
The workers voted to ratify a three-year collective agreement that runs until Nov. 5, 2020.
The new contract includes two per cent annual wage increases, higher shift premiums, the introduction of an apprenticeship program for millwrights and several improvements to benefits and contract language that strengthen working conditions, said the union.
"Our members have contributed significantly to the company's success and these monetary and benefit improvements allow them to share in this success," said Marty Warren, USW Ontario and Atlantic director.
The new contract includes improvements to dental care and vision-care benefits, life insurance, bereavement leave, safety-boot allowances and seniority rights. It also introduces new language to support employees affected by domestic violence, according to USW.
The agreement also provides a new employee-assistance program and an anti-harassment training program, both of which were developed by the USW. The company will fund implementation of the programs, said the union.
