The unionized workers of the Kruger plant in Trois-Rivières have ratified a new 4-year collective agreement, ending the strike that began on May 30, 2024.
The agreement includes historic wage increases for employees. Starting from May 1, 2024, they will receive an 8% adjustment plus an additional 3% increase. In 2025, wages will be raised by $1.30 per hour, followed by a minimum increase of 2.25% in 2026 and 2027. Production employees will see their wages increase by $1.25 per hour, and skilled trade employees by $1 per hour starting in 2024. In total, these raises amount to approximately a 24% increase over 4 years.
The agreement also features improvements to social benefits, vacation time, the retirement plan, and the introduction of a banked overtime hours system for production. Evening and night shift premiums will also be enhanced to $1 and $1.25 per hour, respectively.
The Unifor union celebrated this "historic agreement" achieved after months of tense negotiations with the employer. Union representatives praised the determination and solidarity of the members that led to these significant gains.
Work resumed as of Wednesday evening, June 19, at 11:00 PM, allowing for the return to normal operations at the plant.
