The Société de transport de Laval (STL) bus drivers in Quebec have a new labour contract. At today’s general assembly, 76 per cent of unionized workers voted to accept the tentative agreement reached by their negotiating committee last Tuesday.
The new four-year collective agreement includes a salary increase of two per cent per year, as well as a lump sum granted annually, equivalent to one per cent, which amounts to a 12 per cent hike over the course of the contract.
The number one goal for workers was to improve their pension plan, as CUPE Local 5959 president Richard Ouimet points out.
“Our plan had an actuarial deficit. We had to take measures to secure its future. We managed to convince our employer to contribute one million dollars to rectify the situation. We want to underline the fact that our members as well as the STL will both be increasing contributions to ensure a better retirement. We are very proud of our achievements on this front.”
In addition, bus drivers who work evenings will see their premiums enhanced. In return, the unionized workers are accepting certain adjustments on the work organization front in order to offer users better bus service, especially during rush hours.
The 500 or so bus drivers have been without a work contract since July 31, 2009. They joined the ranks of CUPE in September.