Unifor approves seventh and last agreement with Kruger Inc.

DEER LAKE, NL, Oct. 7, 2013 /CNW/ - Unifor Local 495 have reached and ratified a new deal with Kruger Inc. in Deer Lake, marking the seventh and last agreement with the company over 18 months.

"By renewing these collective agreements in a proactive and collaborative manner, we're hoping it will enable the mill to reposition itself to take advantage of any opportunities in the future," said Unifor National Representative Gary Healey.

The new agreement expires on June 30, 2015 and covers 22 members. Unifor Local 495 members at Deer Lake produce power for Corner Brook Pulp and Paper. The facility has been in operation for more than 85 years.

"I'm pleased we were able to put in a place a new agreement that is suitable for both sides," said Unifor Local 495 President Daryl Slade. "I hope we'll be producing power well into the future."

"While this was a difficult round of negotiations, we are proud of the fact that we were able to protect the defined benefit pension plan, while making wage gains after a period of nearly five years of frozen wages," said Healey. "I'm happy that we were able to come to an agreement without any dispute as is the case in a large majority of our negotiations."

Other Unifor local unions at Kruger include: 57N, 58, 60N, 64, 96 and 242, in addition to 495.

Unifor, Canada's largest union in the private sector, formed this past Labour Day weekend with the joining together of the Canadian Auto Workers union and the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union. Unifor represents 300,000 workers across the country.

SOURCE: Unifor the union

For more information, please contact Unifor National Representative Gary Healey [phone]