Canadian Labour Reporter

Hawkesbury firefighters win gains HAWKESBURY, Ont. — Hawkesbury Volunteer Fire- fighters in Hawkesbury, Ont. ratified a new collective agree- ment that provides across- the-board two-per-cent wage increases. The firefighters, who are members of the United Steel- workers (USW) Local 6565-3, approved the new deal on Nov. 26, by a majority vote. The deal was approved by the Town of Hawkesbury municipal coun- cil, on Nov. 29, says the union. In addition to wage in- creases, the one-year contract makes improvements in the agreement to clarify the griev- ance timelines and it spells out that the USW unit chair is en- titled to time to provide union orientation to new hires, says the union. "The committee worked hard to prepare for bargaining. That helped make the process a collaborative and respect- ful one with the employer," says Stephane Constantineau, USW, Local 6565-3 unit chair. "These volunteer firefighters are life-savers in their commu- nity, providing emergency ser- vices with great skill and com- mitment," says Marty Warren, USW director for Ontario and Atlantic Canada. SGS Canada workers ratify deal SARNIA, Ont. — Unifor, Lo- cal 672 SGS Canada work- ers voted 89 per cent to ratify a new three-year collective agreement Dec. 14 in Sarnia, Ont. Gains include a pay raise of $1.05 per hour and a two-per- cent wage increase in the first year of the contract, with ret- roactive pay included. Wages will increase 2.5 per cent in the second year and three per cent in the third, says the union. There are also bereavement improvements, overtime pay for all changeovers and in- creased allowances to vision, footwear and personal protec- tive equipment. As part of the agreement, local union execu- tives are allowed time with new hires for orientation, says Uni- for. "We've never had orienta- tion with our new hires for the union," says Dean Hart, SGS Canada bargaining chair. "It was always strictly manage- ment that was meeting with them when they got hired. We are now able to meet with them, go through the contract and answer any questions they may have." The term of the new agree- ment is from Oct. 24, 2021 to Oct. 24, 2024. The most reliable source of news and insights for Canada's labour professionals www.hrreporter.com/labour/news New agreement for RISQ employees MONTREAL — Twenty employees with the Réseau d´informations scientifiques du Québec (RISQ) signed their new collective agreement on Dec. 10. In addition to wage hikes, employees' pay echelons were reduced to nine from 13, and the inter-echelon percentage was raised. As a result, the time re- quired to reach the top echelon was shortened by four years, says the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), Local 4633. On Nov. 23, members voted 94 per cent in favour of the tenta- tive agreement reached by their union and the employer, says the union. "We successfully achieved a win-win agreement in an envi- ronment of mutual respect. We are certain that this new agree- ment will ensure a good working atmosphere for its entire dura- tion," says Philippe Dion-Paquet, vice-president of CUPE, Local 4633. RISQ, a non-profit organiza- tion, provides telecommunica- tions services to all universities, CEGEPs, school service centres, research centres, university hos- pitals, government ministries and agencies along with cultural and service organizations. 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KEY MEDIA and the KEY MEDIA logo are trademarks of Key Media IP Limited, and used under license by Key Media Canada (HR) Ltd.. CANADIAN LABOUR REPORTER is a trademark of Key Media Canada (HR) Ltd.. e publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional advice. If legal or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. e analysis contained herein represents the opinion of the authors and should in no way be construed as being either official or unofficial policy of any governmental body. ISSN 0045-5113 Publications Registration 2089 Canadian Labour Reporter is part of the Canadian HR Reporter group of publications. Visit www.hrreporter. com for more information. 2 LABOUR BRIEFS Canadian HR Reporter, a Key Media Canada (HR) Ltd. business 2021

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