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Members of Unifor Local 4005 at Wajax Power Systems, a small unit of 14 predominantly skilled trades workers, have overwhelmingly ratified a new collective agreement following successful negotiations. Union members at Wajax provide maintenance, parts sales, and supply services to heavy truck operators in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.
"I would like to congratulate Unifor Local 4005 members for ratifying this new collective agreement,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “The commitment and hard work of our members made this agreement possible, and our negotiating team worked diligently to secure the gains our members at Wajax deserve."
The members cast their ballots and voted 79% in favor of the new three-year agreement.
Key highlights of the new collective agreement include:
- Wage Increases: Members will enjoy a cumulative wage increase of 9.5% over the three-year term (4% in year one, 3% in year two, and 2.5% in year three).
- Paid Holidays: Truth and Reconciliation Day has been added as a paid holiday, bringing the total number of paid holidays to 13.
- Sick Leave: An additional 2 paid sick days have been granted, bringing the total to five days.Tool and Boot Allowances: Increases to workers' tool and boot allowances, now set at $520 and $416, respectively.
Bereavement Time: Union members will receive extended bereavement time.
Signing Bonus: A signing bonus of $2,000 for union members.
"This round of negotiations went well and our negotiating team felt confident that the contract was fair and reasonable, meeting members’ key demands,” said Unifor Local 303 Wajax Plant Chair Sean D'arcy. “Expectations were high, particularly for the wage package. When members’ factored in all the gains made in the collective, members definitely felt satisfied."
The new collective agreement expires on December 31, 2026.
