School Crossing Guards in Val d'Or - Standard Negotiations

ROUYN-NORANDA, QC, June 17 /CNW Telbec/ - The 15 school crossing guards in Val d'Or, mostly women, confirmed by a rate of 100% their second bargaining agreement. "Although negotiations for the first bargaining agreement was more

challenging, this one was concluded in a productive atmosphere. Our members were even more appreciative since it also resulted in enhanced working conditions", declared Gaétan Lyrette, union representative for the Métallos (FTQ).

The hourly wage will increase from $8 to $9.50 in the first year. This increase is retroactive to January 1, 2008. Then, the hourly wage will increase to $9.65 the second year and to $9.80 for the third year to finally

reach $10 during the employment contract's last year. School crossing guards work four hours per day. And from now on, the employer will be supplying guards with tree seasons of work clothes. Furthermore, travel expenses will increase from $0.36 to $ 0.41 per kilometre. "Working conditions for crossing guards are difficult and are too frequently overlooked. For example, it was unbelievable that they should provide their own work clothes. This may seem very basic but is nonetheless where we started. From one year to the next, we intend to continue to improve their conditions", stated the union representative.

In terms of non-monetary clauses, for example, we've been able to reduce the timeframe to begin arbitration and improved the clause pertaining to joint meetings with the employer to work out problems that occur during the term covered by the bargaining agreement.

The agreement was confirmed June 12.

For further information: Gaétan Lyrette, Syndicat des Métallos (FTQ), (819) 762-3001