Certain Bell Technical Solutions members to get 13% wage increase
Thousands of Unifor members at Bell Technical Solutions in Ontario will be enjoying new and improved benefits following the signing of a collective agreement between the union and the company.
Under the new collective agreement, members with more than seven years of service will be granted a 13% wage increase, as well as a one-year reduction in the wage progression scale. Members on the progression scale will also enjoy 2.5% raise on top of their current bi-annual increase.
The agreement was also said to grow the high-demand unit with 307 new full-time positions, with workers will now enjoy Consecutive Days of rest, along with other changes to improve scheduling and work-life balance.
Additional improvements in the contract include changes in policies of vacations, probationary periods, as well as permanent and temporary transfer procedures. There will also be enhancements in job postings and training.
Another significant addition is the creation of the Racial Justice Advocate, a new program from the union that seeks to fight discrimination and support workers who become victim to racism.
According to Unifor, the Racial Justice Advocate is a new position in the workplace that will be appointed by the union. This individual may be from the Black, Indigenous, or racialized community.
"These individuals are responsible for providing support to fellow union members on matters related to racial discrimination and racial violence," read the union's notice on its website.
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These new benefits stipulated under the new collective agreement are expected to benefit 3,700 Unifor members of Bell Technical Solutions.
Naureen Rizvi, Unifor Ontario regional director, lauded the bargaining team for "securing this good deal."
"This contract goes a long way to close gaps and fix priority issues for members. With a rapidly changing economy post-pandemic, members needed bold improvements and a bigger piece of the pie to support themselves and their families," said Rizvi in a statement.
The agreement will last for four years, and will include members belonging to Locals 28, 30-O, 31, 34-O, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39-O, 40, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48 and 1996-O.
"Telecom jobs are good jobs, and I'm proud of members for their commitment to fight for working conditions for all members now and the next generation," said Local 34-O president Jim Fling.
Members of the Bell Technical Solutions in Quebec are expected to vote on ratification on June 10, 2022.