New Contract For Domtar Workers In Dryden

500 members of the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union at Domtar’s Dryden operation have ratified a new 5-year contract.
The deal is retroactive to September 1st, 2009 and expires at the end of August 2014.
There are no wage increases in the first three years of the deal with a 1% raise this September and a 1.5% raise in September 2013.
Dryden and Ear Falls workers voted 70% in favour of the deal.
Here are some of the highlights of the contract.
– 5 year agreement from September 1, 2009 to August 31, 2014
– no wage increases in first 3 years with 1% raise on September 1, 2012 and 1.5% raise on September 1, 2013
– All woodlands drivers will now receive a $35 daily per diem when commuting to bush operations
– Mill language improvements and increase in meal ticket allowance from $20 to $35
– Woodlands daily meal allowance increase from $20 to $30
– $15/month increase to woodlands defined contribution pension plan
– increase in woodlands monthly retirement bridging from $10 to $12/month per year of service after age 60
– New woodlands apprenticeship program and improvements in language, benefits, bereavement and scheduling
– Commitment by CEP and Domtar to encourage greater first nations participation and training opportunities in future woodlands operations