The agreement in principle reached last June between VIA Rail and the Unifor union, which represents approximately 2,500 workers across the country, has been ratified.
Unifor, which is affiliated with the FTQ in Quebec, made the announcement Thursday afternoon in a press release. The union says the new collective agreement includes annual wage increases of 3 per cent.
The agreement, which runs until December 31, 2027, also provides for improved benefits coverage and improvements to the pension plan with a 100 per cent employer match.
“This agreement brings significant gains to our members at VIA Rail. (…) We fought hard to secure improvements that matter to our members and to protect good jobs for the future,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.
“The solidarity shown by VIA Rail members throughout this round of negotiations has been essential. Their strong strike mandates and collective determination made this agreement possible,” commented Unifor Quebec Director Daniel Cloutier in the press release.
The union also lists “other strengths of the agreement”: strengthened job protection, improved stability for reserve board employees, commitments related to privatization and plans to improve crew appeal procedures.
According to VIA Rail management, this ratification “represents a key element of long-term stability for (the company), which continues its modernization and adaptation to the evolving needs of travelers across Canada.”
“These agreements represent an important step forward for VIA Rail and for all of our teams,” said VIA Rail’s Chief Communications and Human Resources Officer, Mathieu Paquette, in a press release.
“They reaffirm our shared commitment to building a workplace where our employees feel valued and supported, while allowing us to continue to offer a safe, reliable and accessible service that our passengers rely on every day,” he added.
Among the employees affected by this new contract are 1,800 workers represented by Council 4000 and spread across station services, administrative offices, maintenance centers and on board trains.
The collective agreement also covers 700 employees working as diesel engine mechanics, electricians, railcar technicians, and laborers. These members are represented by Local 100.
–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews
