Southern Ontario transit workers in Ajax-Pickering, represented by CUPE Local 111, have reached a new collective agreement with improvements in many areas. By the end of the year, the 135 workers will have a total wage increase of 6.9 per cent for 2005.
“This contract puts us in a good position as we head into a merger with other transit workers in the new Durham region transit system that kicks off in January 2006,” said Al Luce, chair of the negotiating committee for CUPE Local 111.
The workers voted 96 per cent in favour of the new contract that includes increased wages, improvements in benefits, seniority for casual employees, Monday to Friday scheduling for full-time employees, increases in vacation, bereavement leave, shift premiums, a new premium for driver trainers, better layoff protection, and many other improvements.
“Our negotiating team worked hard to reach this agreement,” said Luce. “These contract improvements not only benefit our members, but all area residents as we move forward, offering quality transit services that build strong communities.”