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Workers at Trimac in Ontario have ratified a new three-year collective agreement that includes fair wage gains, improved bereavement days for extended family, and an additional paid holiday.
“Unifor continues to make powerful gains for workers in transportation,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. “These drivers are hauling fuel essential to life in Canada – we all rely on these workers, yet few know how important they are to our day-to-day life. Unifor fights hard for these workers and I’m proud of this bargaining committee for raising the bar for these members.”
Ratification votes took place on January 26, 2020 where 100% of workers voted in favor of the new agreement.
“The gains we’ve made in this round of negotiations is noteworthy, especially given the unique challenges workers face in this industry,” said Scott McILmoyle, Local 112 President. “The average age of drivers continues to climb as recruitment for new drivers wanes. It’s a particular concern as we negotiate new agreements.”
The trucking industry is facing a daunting labour shortage as the industry continues a downward trend of attracting young people. Many attribute the shortage to competing lifestyle needs of a new generation – the average trucker does not have a set schedule and works stretches up to two-weeks with sparse breaks between. As the industry rapidly changes, so does the bargaining strategy.
“We’re paving the way for future generations of truck drivers, which is why gains made today are essential for ensuing the sustainability of this vital sector,” McILmoyle continued.
The new agreement includes a 2.4 per cent wage increase in year one, a lump sum in year two, and an additional 1.5 per cent raise in year three. Bereavement days for extended family members tripled from one to three days. In addition, workers gained Remembrance Day as a paid holiday.
Local 112 represents 4,500 members from 25 employers.
