IUOE 955 Collective Agreement: Understanding the Basics
The International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 955 is a union that represents more than 12,000 skilled workers in Alberta, Canada. These workers operate and maintain heavy equipment in various industries such as construction, oil and gas, and mining. To ensure the rights of these workers are protected, IUOE Local 955 has negotiated a collective agreement with their employers.
A collective agreement is a legally binding agreement between an employer and a union. It sets out the terms and conditions of employment, including wages, benefits, working hours, and working conditions. Collective agreements are designed to ensure that workers are treated fairly and are paid fairly for their work.
The IUOE 955 collective agreement covers a wide range of issues, including job security, grievance procedures, and health and safety. It also sets out the wages and benefits that workers are entitled to. The current collective agreement, which was negotiated in 2018, is valid until 2022.
One of the key provisions of the IUOE 955 collective agreement is the wage scale. The wage scale sets out the minimum hourly wage that workers are entitled to, based on their classification and years of experience. For example, a journeyman operator with more than 10,000 hours of experience is entitled to a minimum wage of $51.28 per hour. The wage scale also includes provisions for overtime pay and shift differentials.
Another important provision of the collective agreement is the benefit package. IUOE 955 workers are entitled to a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, as well as a pension plan and life insurance. The benefits package is funded through employer contributions and is an important part of the overall compensation package for IUOE 955 workers.
The collective agreement also includes provisions for job security. The agreement sets out the procedures that must be followed if a worker is laid off or terminated. It also includes provisions for seniority and job postings, which are designed to ensure that workers have a fair opportunity to apply for new positions within their employer`s organization.
In addition to these provisions, the IUOE 955 collective agreement also includes provisions for health and safety. The agreement sets out the safety standards that employers must adhere to, including requirements for personal protective equipment and training for workers. It also includes provisions for reporting workplace injuries and accidents, as well as an arbitration process for resolving disputes related to health and safety issues.
In conclusion, the IUOE 955 collective agreement is an important document that sets out the terms and conditions of employment for thousands of skilled workers in Alberta. The agreement covers a wide range of issues, including wages, benefits, job security, and health and safety. By negotiating a collective agreement with their employers, IUOE 955 workers are able to ensure that their rights are protected and that they are fairly compensated for their work.