Steelworkers Ratify New Contract at Ray of Hope Custody Facility

KITCHENER, ON, March 22, 2016 /CNW/ - United Steelworkers (USW) members employed at the Ray of Hope secure custody facility for young offenders have ratified a new collective agreement with their employer.

The new agreement includes several enhancements to contract language that will improve the terms and conditions of employment for the 58 union members who work at the custody centre for youth aged 12 to 17.

The three-year agreement also provides improvements in benefits, as well as annual wage increases for full-time employees of 1.5% in the contract's first and second years and 1.75% in the third year. Part-time employees will receive wage increases ranging from 1.5% to 4.1% in the contract's first year, followed by 1.5% increases in each of the second and third years.

"I congratulate these Steelworkers and their employer for negotiating a good collective agreement that is fair to both parties. This agreement recognizes the value and the challenging nature of the work performed by these employees on a daily basis," said USW Ontario Director Marty Warren.

SOURCE United Steelworkers (USW)

For further information: Marty Warren, USW District 6 Director, 416-243-8792; Carrie Robinson-Hofstetter, USW Staff Representative, 519-650-3405, 519-503-3150, [e-mail]; Bob Gallagher, USW Communications, 416-544-5966, 416-434 2221, [e-mail]