Unifor reaches tentative agreement with Parkland Refinery

BURNABY, BC, Dec. 4, 2017 /CNW/ - The union representing 160 workers at Parkland Refinery Ltd. has reached a three-year tentative agreement. The contract follows the industry pattern set previously by Unifor in its negotiations with other energy companies.

"This was a tough round of negotiations but I'm very proud of the skill shown by our bargaining team to get Unifor members a fair deal that exceeds the pattern set in the industry," said Scott Doherty, Executive Assistant to the Unifor National President. "It was not easy but we achieved our main goals and now it is up to members to decide."

In 2016 Unifor and Suncor in Fort McMurray bargained a pattern agreement to set a bar for working conditions and wages in the energy and chemical sector. The Parkland Refinery tentative agreement was reached after an extensive round of negotiations took place earlier today. The deal is consistent with the gains made in the sector pattern, plus the employer addressed key workplace issues related to seniority provisions.

The workers at Parkland are represented by Local 601. With a tentative deal being reached by the union and the employer, Unifor members will now have the opportunity to vote on the terms of the contract.  A membership meeting and vote is scheduled for Thursday of this week.

"Resource jobs are good jobs that sustain thousands of families and are the backbone of many communities. These workers deserve to share in the rewards of one of the fastest growing corporations in North America and I think this tentative agreement acknowledges that," said Russ Day President of Local 601. 

Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing more than 315,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future.

SOURCE Unifor