UNIFOR ratifies deal with Suncor

TORONTO, Aug. 18, 2016 /CNW/ - The union bargaining for over 8,500 energy and chemical workers across Canada has reached a three-year deal with Suncor. The collective agreement will set the pattern for Unifor's upcoming negotiations at other companies in the industry.

"This contract achieves our goals and gives our members some certainty during the instability being experienced by the industry," said Jerry Dias, National President of Unifor. "The agreement recognizes the state of the industry but compensates our members and the communities they live in fairly as we transition one of Canada's most important industries."

After Suncor was selected as the employer for the pattern agreement, negotiations got underway in early 2016. A tentative deal was reached on August 9 and ratified by local Unifor leaders 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 the oil and gas sector," said Doug Moysich, a Bargaining Committee member.

Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing more than 310,000 workers. It was formed Labour Day weekend 2013 when the Canadian Auto Workers and the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers unions merged.