Timiskaming Funeral ratifies first collective agreement to secure significant wage increases and benefit improvements.
The new members at Timiskaming Funeral Cooperative Inc. in Kirkland Lake unanimously ratified their first collective agreement with a three-year term on August 28, 2024. Along with the benefits and protections of being in a Union these workers have also secured wage scales for casual and full-time employees as follows:
- Casual workers will receive a 4% increase in each year once minimum hours are met.
- Funeral director will receive significant increases equalling 27% for this classification over the term of the agreement.
- Signing bonuses will be paid; casual workers will receive $150 and full-time will receive $500.
Benefit improvements were also achieved and full-time workers can now enroll in an RRSP savings plan at a contribution rate of 4% of gross earnings with the employer matching. There will be a benefit plan introduced for full-time employees that will include life insurance, extended health care, a dental plan and long-term disability coverage. There will also be a wellness account of $250 per year.
Other language improvements include:
- Paid bereavement leave of five days for immediate family members and three days for extended family.
- Five weeks of vacation entitlement after reaching 25 years of service.
- When an employee is required to work while on standby, they will be paid a minimum of three hours.
- Yearly clothing allowance of $500.
Union negotiating committee: Union representatives: Jeff Barry and Michael Bernier.
Catch up on all the negotiation highlights from across the province here.
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