New deal protects defined benefit pension: Unifor
Unifor members at Brink's Canada in British Columbia ratified a new four-year contract on Nov. 8.
"These negotiations presented a unique set of challenges in an industry that is undergoing fundamental change," said Jerry Dias, Unifor national president. "Nonetheless, the bargaining committee members were determined to make gains in wages and benefits for our members and they were successful in doing so."
About 260 armoured car drivers and messengers — represented by Unifor Local 114 — voted to ratify the new agreement which includes higher wages, enhanced benefits and the protection of the current defined benefit pension plan, said the union.
"We were also able to address some long-standing gender and geographical inequities during bargaining," said Gavin McGarrigle, Unifor B.C. area director. "This contract contains significant pay hikes, particularly in female-dominated divisions, and also takes important steps for B.C. members toward wage parity with their Ontario counterparts."
Two additional bargaining groups — representing Brink's Canada workers in Ontario — voted to ratify similar agreements last week. All of the new contracts will expire on Aug. 26, 2021, according to Unifor.
