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'Our members have made some solid gains on wages and successfully fought employer efforts to rollback some provisions.' - Darryl Walker.
Vancouver (9 Nov. 2009) - Workers who keep thousands of kilometers of B.C. highways properly marked, lined and safe for motorists have ratified a new contract that provides wage increases and makes other improvements in their working conditions.
The deal covers members of the B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union (BCGEU/NUPGE) who work for Lafrentz Road Marking Ltd. Lafrentz marks highways from the Thompson Cariboo to the Yukon border and the Kootenays.
"This new contract is a positive settlement to a lengthy and challenging round of negotiations," says BCGEU president Darryl Walker. "Our members have made some solid gains on wages and successfully fought employer efforts to rollback some provisions."
The 51-month agreement, achieved with the help of a B.C. Labour Relations Board (BCLRB) mediator, expires on March 31, 2013. First year compensation improvements are equal to an average 2.4% lump sum payment.
Hourly wage increases for following years will be a minimum of 2.5% or an amount equal to a specific labour index adjustment in Lafrentz's contract with the B.C. government, whichever is higher.
The workers also negotiated enhanced seniority language in their new contract. BCGEU represents 65,000 workers in the public service, broader public sector and the private sector.
NUPGE
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE