Local Brandt Tractor employees back at work

Workers see a 22 per cent wage increase over four years and other increases after binding mediation

The 11 workers at Brandt Tractor in Williams Lake are back on the job after a three-week strike.

The labour dispute between the company and the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 115 ended after the issues went to binding mediation, the union says.

The union says mediator Mark Atkinson ruled that there wouldn’t be changes to the tentative agreement reached June 27, benefit coverage would take effect July 1, and all employees would return to work July 2.

The union says the agreement consists of a 22 per cent wage increase over four years, increases to tool and boot allowances, shift premiums, meal allowances, and pension contributions for employees hired between July 31, 2004 and June 10, 2008.

More than 160 Brandt Tractor workers throughout B.C. went on strike June 11, due to, the union said, concessions and reductions to the collective agreement that would affect hours of work, benefits, pension contributions and working conditions.

“Not all of the concerns were addressed,” says Wayne Mills, union member representative. “Neither side gets everything they want. Some of the wage needs were met.”

He says there is still a three-tier wage and pension system in place, but there is a slight increase to the second-year pensions, and workers get an immediate 10 per cent wage increase, as well as the 22 per cent wage increase over four years.

He says there was a package that was presented on June 28, but it was rejected.

On June 29, the groups revisited it with the mediator in binding arbitration. A few changes were made and the employees went back to work.

“Some people are fine with it. Some people are not.”

Shaun Semple, president of Brandt Tractor Ltd, was unavailable for comment by Tribune deadlines.