Increased benefits and expanded mental-health coverage are among the highlights of a new collective agreement ratified by Oakville Transit workers who are also members of Unifor Local 1256.
Under the agreement, which ends a two-week strike, the workers will see an increase in their vision care coverage, from $400 to $450 annually. It also includes new coverage to the paramedical specialist benefit.
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It adds a new sub-category for mental health, which will include any combination of psychologist, registered psychotherapist, social worker and clinical counsellor for a total of $400 annually, replacing the current psychologist coverage.
The new agreement also includes a two per cent wage increase in each of the three years of the contract. Local 1256 was also successful in converting 27 positions to full-time status.
“These are no small gains,” said Alice Kelly, president of Unifor Local 1256, in a press release. “The new collective agreement is a terrific example that solidarity and collective action gets results.”
Local 1256 members at Oakville Transit began legal strike action on Feb. 17, 2022. The union represents 179 transit operators and maintenance staff.
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