Union ratifies new agreement with Bell Aliant

HALIFAX, Sept. 15 /CNW/ - The membership of the CEP Atlantic Communications Council has ratified a new collective agreement with Bell Aliant in Atlantic Canada.  76% of the voting membership accepted the proposed agreement, which will take effect on October 1^st, 2010, and will expire at the end of 2014.

Ratification of the tentative agreement means the company will not be pursuing the Cost Reduction plan announced July 15^th.  This plan included the closure of three of the five Bell Aliant call centres in the region.

The new agreement maintains a 1.75% wage increase in 2011, and includes improved employment security provisions, assured post retirement benefits, and a mechanism for the reduction of the use of contractors.  The ratified agreement preserves all of the provisions of the previous agreement including pensions, benefits, bumping rights and protections from layoff.

For further information:

Penny Fawcett, CEPACC Chair:	[phone]
Phil Briffett, CEPACC Vice Chair	[phone]