8 June 2007
CPR Settlement
Brothers and Sisters,
I realize that you are all anxious to see the agreement and we will get it posted on the website as soon as we can, but no later than
the ratification ballots are mailed out.
We expect to have the ballots mailed out next week with a three or four week turn around.
Though we did not end up with as much as we were asking for in our last set of demands, this agreement is far more lucrative than the
company's 23 Mar 2007 offer.
Some of the Highlights are:
- Three year deal for 2007, 2008, 2009;
- wages of 3% for 2007 retroactive to January 1st, 4% for 2008 and 3% for 2009;
- an additional 1% for each year, paid lump sum semi-annually, exclusive of wages;
- Goal share of 5% max with stretch targets (no personal injury liability) with 1% of it based on financial of company (non
incentive based);
- Dental to be based on current year fee guides;
- Expenses up to $38.00 per diem for meals, $95.00 for full per diem and ad hoc;
- Shift differential increased to $.75 and $1.00 (from $.45 and $.50);
- Non conforming rest day special work crew agreement to allow for 15.5% increase for all hours worked on these crews;
- 1.8 pension formula with no contribution increase;
- B-1 mileage based on actual Kms (not 100 km increments) and increased to 4 cents above bus rate kms;
- Round trip airfare for TP&E employees from Maritimes;
- $1.20 an hour increase for air brake BTMF section vehicles;
- Life insurance increase to $150,000.00 for employees fatally injured at work;
- 1% increase for WH&S committee members;
- Many Benefit and Job security increases and improvements;
- Many work rule improvements.
Though we did agree to the 10% co-pay for benefit premiums, there will be no changes to the seniority districts (aside
from "cleanup" issues with the Quebec seniority territories) and no changes to assembly points. There will also be no
increase to the distance required for forced expenses. Even though this settlement is worth a lot more than the company's
23 Mar 2007 offer, you will not have to pay for it with work rule concessions.
I realize how hard this strike was on all of you and, regardless of the company's bravado news releases of how well their scabs
maintained the track, we all know how difficult a time it was for them as well. We are trying to get everyone back to work as quickly
as possible but if you are not back by 11 Jun 2007 there are processes in place to allow for money coming in.
Special thanks goes out to all the strike captains and the negotiating team. You guys were all phenomenal.
This is your contract. Your backbone and your integrity and your strength made it possible. Though there were some that were weak and
some that gave less than others, we are in this together and if we have to carry a few, well then we will carry them. And perhaps they
will learn by your example.
Stay safe, Be strong, We are United,
Bill Brehl - President TCRC MWED
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