CEP National energy wage settlement a positive message for Canadian economy

EDMONTON, June 4, 2013 /CNW/ - Oil, gas and petrochemical workers from workplaces across Canada have ratified a new pattern agreement with Suncor Energy providing wage increases of 10.5% over three years.

The tentative agreement reached between the National Energy Bargaining Committee of the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union and Suncor was ratified today by delegates from 48 bargaining units that participate in the union's National Energy and Chemical Bargaining Program.

"The national settlement sends a strong and positive message for the Canadian economy by raising the purchasing power of our members," said CEP National President Dave Coles. "The wage and shift premium increases, and the significant related impact of the wage increases to increase their future pensions, means greater economic security for thousands of energy workers across Canada, and for their communities also."

"This pattern agreement is the result of tough, but respectful, bargaining with Suncor Energy, Canada's largest oil company," added CEP National Energy Bargaining Coordinator Joseph Gargiso. "It ranks as one of the best economic settlements in the 20-year history of the National Energy and Bargaining Program."

The 2013-2016 agreement provides wage increases of 3.25%, 3.5% and 3.75%, applicable to all wage related premiums.  The wage increases are retroactive to the 2013 expiry dates of the previous contracts for each of nine Suncor Energy bargaining units in BC, Alberta, Ontario and Quebec.

The ratified wage and term settlement is now the industry pattern for the union's 48 bargaining groups with other oil, gas and petrochemical companies participating in the national energy bargaining program.  In 2010-2013 bargaining, all groups achieved the national pattern without a labour dispute.

SOURCE: COMMUNICATIONS, ENERGY AND PAPERWORKERS UNION OF CANADA

Dave Coles:  [phone]
Joseph Gargiso (french language interviews):  [phone]