DRYDEN – Stephen Boon, CEP National Representative in Dryden, confirms the 45 members of CEP Local 324-12 voted 95% in favour of a new Collective Agreement with Community Living Dryden on Tuesday night. Boon stated, “I think the strong vote clearly reflects our members’ satisfaction with the improvements contained in this agreement.”
“The deal in Dryden successfully matches the wage gains we achieved for the 35 CEP Developmental Support workers employed with Community Living Sioux Lookout in August.”
Boon concluded by saying, “I am especially pleased that we have been able to negotiate a fair deal while still maintaining excellent labour relations with this Association in an extremely challenging fiscal environment.” The majority of workers currently earn between $21 and $25 per hour and the previous contract expired September 13, 2010.
Some of the key highlights of the deal are:
– 2 year deal (Sept 13, 2010 to Sept 12, 2012)
– 4% general wage increase in 6 month increments over term of deal (1.75% total increases first year, 2.25% total increases in the second year)
– increase from 3 to 5 day bereavement leave for brothers, sisters and grandchildren
– new compassionate leave of up to 2 days per year related to sick family members
– joint committee to explore benefit coverage options for retirees
– increase in daily expense claims from $35 to $45