January 18, 2017

Exeter, ON—The 350 employees of Exeter-based JMR Electric Ltd. voted by a two-thirds majority to accept the terms of a negotiated settlement for a three-year contract negotiated by their elected bargaining committee. The employees are members of Construction Workers Union, CLAC Local 53. JMR Electric operates both electrical and mechanical divisions completing large infrastructure projects throughout Ontario.

The settlement provides journeypersons with a base wage rate increase of $1.60 per hour over the term. In addition, premiums of $1.50 to $2.50 per hour were applied to wage rates for certain job sites. Several improvements were made to employees’ participation in the pension plan, highlighted by increased employer hourly contributions. Contract language stipulating paid travel time was also clarified and improved. These provisions, along with increases and adjustments to compensation for vacation pay, statutory holiday pay, paid bereavement leave, vacation time, subsistence allowance, and tool and boot allowance, provide employees with a total package increase as high as $4.38 per hour over the term.

“The tradespersons at JMR Electric are a highly skilled, certified, and trained workforce,” says Roger Grootenboer, CLAC Local 53 representative. “They work safely and skilfully, building our province’s hospitals, schools, and institutions. Negotiations for a fair contract proved to be a drawn out and complex process—something not unexpected for a company with 350 employees working on so many varying projects across Ontario. But the end result was positive for all sides at the table. With this settlement, our members can look forward to years of stable employment with fair reward and compensation for their valuable work.”

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About CLAC

Formed in 1952, CLAC is one of Canada’s fastest-growing unions. Operating through 15 member centres, it is the country’s largest national, independent, multisector union representing over 60,000 workers in almost every sector. Based on values of respect, dignity, and fairness, CLAC is committed to building better workplaces, better communities, and better lives.

For More Information                                  Media Contact

www.clac.ca                                          Roger Grootenboer, Representative
Connect with us on Facebook or Twitter.              rgrootenboer@clac.ca