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L’ORIGNAL, Ontario, Jan. 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Members of United Steelworkers (USW) locales 7940 and 8794 have won major improvements in new contracts with Ivaco Rolling Mills (IRM).
The new five-year contracts for about 435 workers provide significant improvements in wages, pensions, benefits and working conditions.
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Members of Melt Shop Local 8794 ratified their new agreement by 89%, and members of Rod Mill Local 7940 approved it with a 94% vote in favor.
IRM is an eastern Ontario steelmaking facility. USW members working in the Melt Shop turn scrap metal into billets, while Rod Mill workers reheat billets to produce high-quality steel coils.
“This great success highlights the strength of the USW and the work of the negotiating committees. These agreements bring real progress for workers and their families, ensuring stability and fairness while strengthening the foundation for future growth in Ivaco,” said Kevon Stewart, USW District 6 Director.
The agreement includes a 21% average wage increase over five years, with an 8% increase expected in the first year and further adjustments to trade categories and ending wage progression, ensuring that all workers reach higher wage levels.
Pension contributions will start early, once the assessment has been completed, and the employer matches contributions up to 4% of voluntary contributions. This will bring the total amount of the employer up to 6%, which will ensure strong security for the employees when they retire. Enhancements to life insurance, eye care, long-term disability and prescription drug coverage reflect a commitment to member well-being.
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“Negotiating these agreements required wisdom and commitment from all parties. The results demonstrate a shared commitment to creating workforce opportunities while ensuring long-term operational success.” said Richard Leblanc, USW’s Eastern Ontario Co-ordinator.
The agreements also create the posting of 30 additional jobs per unit and introduce training premiums, providing opportunities for growth and development.
These new agreements reinforce the commitment of USW Local 7940 and 8794 to achieve fair and sustainable results for their members.
About the United Steelworkers union
The USW represents 225,000 members in nearly every sector of the economy across Canada and is the largest independent trade union in North America, with 850,000 members in Canada, the United States and the Caribbean.
Each year, thousands of workers choose to join the USW because of the union’s strong record in creating healthy, safe and respectful workplaces and negotiating better working conditions and fair compensation – including good wages, benefits and pensions.
Contacts:
Richard Leblanc, USW Area Co-ordinator Eastern Ontario, 613-632-2995, rjleblanc@usw.ca
Arushana Sunderaeson, USW Communications, 416-243-8792 ext. 1233, asunderaeson@usw.ca
Shannon Devine, USW Communications, 416-938-4402, sdevine@usw.ca
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f86a45aa-c894-4565-9e81-a74e4ee90368
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