Janitorial workers at Provincial Ready Mix are celebrating their first collective agreement after a five-year battle.
Provincial Ready Mix is the contractor hired by Vale in Long Harbour for all janitorial work at the nickel plant.
The process for a collective agreement began in 2014 with FFAW-Unifor receiving certification in 2015. The union says there was significant pushback and delays from the employer.
FFAW-Unifor Representative, Allan Moulton says its has been a long, frustrating process for these workers that has finally paid off.
He says they encountered numerous delays and when they did finally reach the bargaining table, very little progress was made, which led to the union’s application to have the Labour Relations Board impose an agreement on the company.
The Labour Relations Board chose the union’s offer for wages and classifications using a final offer selection process. In addition to the wage increase, the 21 employees will split a $225,000 signing bonus.
Local Committee Chair at Provincial Ready Mix, Katie Manning says when they heard the news they basically broke down in tears, and says they are relieved and overwhelmed.