More than 550 Unifor members in the Dryden-based Domtar Pulp Mill and Woodlands operations have ratified new collective agreements in overwhelmingly positive votes held late last night of 80 and 97 per cent in favour.

“We’re proud that these agreements meet all elements of Unifor’s Eastern Canada pulp and paper pattern,” said Jerry Dias, National President of Unifor. Unifor established the Eastern Canada Pulp and Paper pattern last year when it reached an agreement with Resolute Forest Products.

“Our members at Domtar not only resisted all concession demands once again, but they also achieved key improvements, including increases in their wages and benefits,” said Stephen Boon, Unifor National Representative.

Key elements of new Domtar Mill and Woodlands deals:

• 2 per cent annual wage increases
• $1,000 signing bonus
• 75 cent per hour pay increase for trades
• Improved dental and health benefits; $40 increase in boot allowance; $90 increase in vision coverage
• New 3 cent per hour employer paid education leave
• 9.3 per cent increase in employer woodlands pension contributions along with 25 per cent increase in retirement bridging
• Increased Woodlands commuting pay with an additional $1,000 pay per year for drivers
• New paid benefits option for spare employees in Woodlands
• New Woodlands overtime banking option providing up 40 hours of additional paid time off per year
• Expanded seniority and job posting rights for all Woodlands operations.