Share
KITIMAT, B.C.—Wages, improvements to benefits, and pension adjustments are the highlights of a new collective agreement ratified by Unifor Local 2301 members during voting on July 25–29.
“Unifor members at Rio Tinto are responsible for the safe and productive operations of a key facility in Kitimat,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “Congratulations to Local 2301 on making key gains in their new contract.”
The union’s bargaining committee secured wage increases of more than 16% over the term of the four-year agreement. The new contract also boosts the wellness benefit and improves the pension multipliers in the Rio Tinto Alcan Pension Plan. There was important language negotiated regarding expedited access to sampling data results where high exposure is indicated and gender-specific safety clothing.
"This contract takes some steps in the right direction," said Martin McIlrath, Local 2301 President. "We look forward to building on what was achieved this round. There is more work to do to address the outstanding issues, especially safety."
Unifor Local 2301 represents more than 900 workers at the Rio Tinto smelter and power plant in Kitimat, B.C.
Unifor is Canada’s largest union in the private sector, representing 320,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future.
