Unifor workers at Community Living Dryden-Sioux Lookout ratify new deals

Tim Brody - Editor

Two new deals were ratified on the evening of Feb. 13 for nearly 125 Unifor members at Community Living Dryden-Sioux Lookout. Approximately 90 members of Unifor Local 324-12 in Dryden voted 86 percent in favor of their contract while 35 members of Unifor Local 324-16 in Sioux Lookout voted 100 percent in favor of the deal. 
Community Living Dryden-Sioux Lookout provides all levels of support for individuals with developmental disabilities living in both Dryden and Sioux Lookout.​
Stephen Boon, Unifor National Representative, said in a Feb. 14 media release, “As indicated by the strong ratification results, Unifor members in Sioux Lookout and Dryden were very pleased with the monetary gains achieved in both deals. We obviously prioritize good wage increases for our members, but both committees also focused on achieving important gains related to pensions, benefits, mileage allowances and other key monetary items. We commend the work of both committees in achieving these major gains and most importantly, in securing a new path toward implementing a defined benefit pension plan for our Dryden and Sioux Lookout members.”
Katrina Peterson, Unifor Local 324 President added, “These members provide critical support for some of the most vulnerable people in Sioux Lookout and Dryden. After dealing with all the hardships associated with the Covid-19 pandemic, we are thrilled to see them now secure long-term contracts with key monetary gains and improved contract language.”
​The new deals run from September 1, 2022 to August 31, 2025 and include:
•    7.75% in wage increases over the 3 year deal with top rates of pay reaching $35.85/hour;
•    $2,500 full-time signing bonus, $1,250 part-time signing bonus and $500 casual signing bonus;
•    new $500 full-time and $350 part-time health spending account;
•    $2.50 increase in work alone premium to $3 per hour;
•    1 additional week of vacation to 4 weeks after 10 years of service for Sioux Lookout part-time workers;
•    $0.09/KM increase in mileage compensation; 
•    up to 25% increase in employer pension contributions and transition to a defined benefit pension plan;
•    One additional paid personal day for part-time workers;
•    $1,000/month increase in long-term disability maximum; 
•    improved benefits, paid personal leave and dental coverage