289
The deal runs from July 18, 2025 to June 30, 2029 and includes stepped wage increases across all groups reaching a top hourly rate of $50.64 for Group 1 operators by July 2028, plus increases to benefit and pension contributions throughout the term.
At a glance
- Union: International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 721
- Employer: Nova Scotia Construction Labour Relations Association Limited (CLRA)
- Province: Nova Scotia
- Term: July 18, 2025 – June 30, 2029
- Top wage: $50.64/hr (Group 1, effective July 1, 2028); total package $67.19/hr
- Vacation: Vacation and holiday pay calculated at 9% of gross earnings (V & H 9%)
- Benefits: Employer-funded benefit plan contributions rising from $2.60/hr to $3.20/hr over the term; pension contributions rising from $7.50/hr throughout
Wages
Appendix 7 “A” — Operating Engineers (Industrial)
Effective July 18, 2025
| Group | Hourly Rate | V & H 9% | Benefit | Pension | Training | Consol. Fund | IIF | Total Pkg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group 1 | $45.34 | $4.08 | $2.60 | $7.50 | $1.00 | $0.28 | $0.16 | $60.96 |
| Group 2 | $44.89 | $4.04 | $2.60 | $7.50 | $1.00 | $0.28 | $0.16 | $60.47 |
| Group 3 | $43.77 | $3.94 | $2.60 | $7.50 | $1.00 | $0.28 | $0.16 | $59.25 |
| Group 4 | $43.54 | $3.92 | $2.60 | $7.50 | $1.00 | $0.28 | $0.16 | $59.00 |
| Group 5 | $43.28 | $3.90 | $2.60 | $7.50 | $1.00 | $0.28 | $0.16 | $58.72 |
Effective January 1, 2026
| Group | Hourly Rate | V & H 9% | Benefit | Pension | Training | Consol. Fund | IIF | Total Pkg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group 1 | $45.20 | $4.07 | $2.75 | $7.50 | $1.00 | $0.28 | $0.16 | $60.96 |
| Group 2 | $44.75 | $4.03 | $2.75 | $7.50 | $1.00 | $0.28 | $0.16 | $60.47 |
| Group 3 | $43.63 | $3.93 | $2.75 | $7.50 | $1.00 | $0.28 | $0.16 | $59.25 |
| Group 4 | $43.40 | $3.91 | $2.75 | $7.50 | $1.00 | $0.28 | $0.16 | $59.00 |
| Group 5 | $43.15 | $3.88 | $2.75 | $7.50 | $1.00 | $0.28 | $0.16 | $58.72 |
Effective July 1, 2026
| Group | Hourly Rate | V & H 9% | Benefit | Pension | Training | Consol. Fund | IIF | Total Pkg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group 1 | $46.38 | $4.17 | $2.75 | $7.50 | $1.00 | $0.28 | $0.16 | $62.24 |
| Group 2 | $45.92 | $4.13 | $2.75 | $7.50 | $1.00 | $0.28 | $0.16 | $61.74 |
| Group 3 | $44.78 | $4.03 | $2.75 | $7.50 | $1.00 | $0.28 | $0.16 | $60.50 |
| Group 4 | $44.54 | $4.01 | $2.75 | $7.50 | $1.00 | $0.28 | $0.16 | $60.24 |
| Group 5 | $44.28 | $3.98 | $2.75 | $7.50 | $1.00 | $0.28 | $0.16 | $59.95 |
Effective January 1, 2027
| Group | Hourly Rate | V & H 9% | Benefit | Pension | Training | Consol. Fund | IIF | Total Pkg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group 1 | $46.24 | $4.16 | $2.90 | $7.50 | $1.00 | $0.28 | $0.16 | $62.24 |
| Group 2 | $45.78 | $4.12 | $2.90 | $7.50 | $1.00 | $0.28 | $0.16 | $61.74 |
| Group 3 | $44.64 | $4.02 | $2.90 | $7.50 | $1.00 | $0.28 | $0.16 | $60.50 |
| Group 4 | $44.40 | $4.00 | $2.90 | $7.50 | $1.00 | $0.28 | $0.16 | $60.24 |
| Group 5 | $44.14 | $3.97 | $2.90 | $7.50 | $1.00 | $0.28 | $0.16 | $59.95 |
Effective July 1, 2027
| Group | Hourly Rate | V & H 9% | Benefit | Pension | Training | Consol. Fund | IIF | Total Pkg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group 1 | $47.41 | $4.27 | $2.90 | $7.50 | $1.00 | $0.28 | $0.16 | $63.52 |
| Group 2 | $46.94 | $4.23 | $2.90 | $7.50 | $1.00 | $0.28 | $0.16 | $63.01 |
| Group 3 | $45.79 | $4.12 | $2.90 | $7.50 | $1.00 | $0.28 | $0.16 | $61.75 |
| Group 4 | $45.54 | $4.10 | $2.90 | $7.50 | $1.00 | $0.28 | $0.16 | $61.48 |
| Group 5 | $45.27 | $4.07 | $2.90 | $7.50 | $1.00 | $0.28 | $0.16 | $61.18 |
Effective January 1, 2028
| Group | Hourly Rate | V & H 9% | Benefit | Pension | Training | Consol. Fund | IIF | Total Pkg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group 1 | $47.28 | $4.25 | $3.05 | $7.50 | $1.00 | $0.28 | $0.16 | $63.52 |
| Group 2 | $46.81 | $4.21 | $3.05 | $7.50 | $1.00 | $0.28 | $0.16 | $63.01 |
| Group 3 | $45.65 | $4.11 | $3.05 | $7.50 | $1.00 | $0.28 | $0.16 | $61.75 |
| Group 4 | $45.40 | $4.09 | $3.05 | $7.50 | $1.00 | $0.28 | $0.16 | $61.48 |
| Group 5 | $45.13 | $4.06 | $3.05 | $7.50 | $1.00 | $0.28 | $0.16 | $61.18 |
Effective July 1, 2028
| Group | Hourly Rate | V & H 9% | Benefit | Pension | Training | Consol. Fund | IIF | Total Pkg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group 1 | $50.64 | $4.56 | $3.05 | $7.50 | $1.00 | $0.28 | $0.16 | $67.19 |
| Group 2 | $50.15 | $4.51 | $3.05 | $7.50 | $1.00 | $0.28 | $0.16 | $66.65 |
| Group 3 | $48.93 | $4.40 | $3.05 | $7.50 | $1.00 | $0.28 | $0.16 | $65.32 |
| Group 4 | $48.67 | $4.38 | $3.05 | $7.50 | $1.00 | $0.28 | $0.16 | $65.04 |
| Group 5 | $48.38 | $4.35 | $3.05 | $7.50 | $1.00 | $0.28 | $0.16 | $64.72 |
Effective January 1, 2029
| Group | Hourly Rate | V & H 9% | Benefit | Pension | Training | Consol. Fund | IIF | Total Pkg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group 1 | $50.50 | $4.55 | $3.20 | $7.50 | $1.00 | $0.28 | $0.16 | $67.19 |
| Group 2 | $50.01 | $4.50 | $3.20 | $7.50 | $1.00 | $0.28 | $0.16 | $66.65 |
| Group 3 | $48.79 | $4.39 | $3.20 | $7.50 | $1.00 | $0.28 | $0.16 | $65.32 |
| Group 4 | $48.53 | $4.37 | $3.20 | $7.50 | $1.00 | $0.28 | $0.16 | $65.04 |
| Group 5 | $48.24 | $4.34 | $3.20 | $7.50 | $1.00 | $0.28 | $0.16 | $64.72 |
Supervision premiums: The Master Mechanic receives $0.75/hr above the Group 1 rate. A foreperson may be appointed when 7–14 operating engineers are on site and must be appointed when more than 14 are present; the foreperson premium is $1.60/hr.
Crane capacity premiums: Operators of mobile truck cranes, crawler cranes, rough terrain cranes, power derricks and gantry cranes receive three-quarters of a cent per hour times the crane’s capacity, to a maximum of $1.50/hr. Tower crane operators receive an additional $0.50/hr.
Appendix 7 “B” — Operating Engineers (Survey Crew — Instrument Man/Survey Assistant)
Instrument Man / Survey Assistant (Rodmen/Chainmen)
| Effective Date | Hourly Rate | V & H 9% | Benefit | Pension | Training | Consol. Fund | IIF | Total Pkg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 18, 2025 | $44.74 | $4.03 | $2.60 | $7.50 | $1.00 | $0.28 | $0.16 | $60.31 |
| January 1, 2026 | $44.61 | $4.01 | $2.75 | $7.50 | $1.00 | $0.28 | $0.16 | $60.31 |
| July 1, 2026 | $45.77 | $4.12 | $2.75 | $7.50 | $1.00 | $0.28 | $0.16 | $61.58 |
| January 1, 2027 | $45.63 | $4.11 | $2.90 | $7.50 | $1.00 | $0.28 | $0.16 | $61.58 |
| July 1, 2027 | $46.80 | $4.21 | $2.90 | $7.50 | $1.00 | $0.28 | $0.16 | $62.85 |
| January 1, 2028 | $46.66 | $4.20 | $3.05 | $7.50 | $1.00 | $0.28 | $0.16 | $62.85 |
| July 1, 2028 | $50.00 | $4.50 | $3.05 | $7.50 | $1.00 | $0.28 | $0.16 | $66.49 |
| January 1, 2029 | $49.86 | $4.49 | $3.20 | $7.50 | $1.00 | $0.28 | $0.16 | $66.49 |
Party Chief receives $0.55/hr above the Instrument Person rate. A Party Chief must be designated when more than two survey crews are on the job site.
Survey Crew Apprentice/Trainee Rates (percentage of Instrument Man rate)
Effective July 18, 2025
| Experience Level | % | Hourly Rate | Total Pkg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–6 months | 80% | $35.66 | $50.41 |
| 6–12 months | 85% | $38.30 | $53.29 |
| Over 12 months | 90% | $40.86 | $56.08 |
Effective July 1, 2028
| Experience Level | % | Hourly Rate | Total Pkg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–6 months | 80% | $39.98 | $55.57 |
| 6–12 months | 85% | $42.89 | $58.74 |
| Over 12 months | 90% | $45.72 | $61.82 |
(Full intermediate-year rates are set out in Appendix 7 “B” of the agreement.)
Benefits
- Benefit Plan: Employer contributions to the Operating Engineers Local 721 and 721B Benefit Plan rise from $2.60/hr (July 18, 2025) to $3.20/hr (January 1, 2029), remitted by the 10th of the month following the month worked.
- Pension Plan: Employer pension contributions are set at $7.50/hr throughout the term, remitted to the Operating Engineers Local 721 and 721B Pension Plan on the same schedule as benefit remittances. Either party may seek increases by providing 60 days’ notice, with adjustments deducted from wage rates.
- Training & Organizing Fund: Employers remit $1.00/hr per employee per hour paid; $0.50 of that amount is redirected from the Training Fund to the Organizing Fund, remitted to IUOE Local 721 by the 10th of the following month.
- Consolidated Fund: Employer contributions per hour in accordance with Article 8D of the master collective agreement.
- Industry Improvement Fund (IIF): Employer contributions of $0.16/hr per hour paid, in accordance with Article 8E of the master collective agreement.
- Administration: The benefit and pension plans are jointly trusteed with equal employer and union representation; professionally administered. Trustees have authority to use arbitration procedures for collection of delinquent contributions, and parties retain the right to pursue civil action in the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia.
Hours, Overtime & Scheduling
- Operators regularly assigned to a machine Monday through Friday must be assigned to that same machine for any Saturday or Sunday productive work required during that week.
- An operator cannot be required to operate more than two different machines in an eight-hour period.
- Shift differential: Employees on the second and third shift receive a 15% premium above their regular rate.
- Subcontracting: The employer agrees not to subcontract work to any contractor not under a collective agreement with the appropriate signatory Building Trades Union.
- Manning of cranes: Mobile truck cranes, cable and crawler cranes of 50 tons capacity and over must be manned by an Operator and a Driver/Oiler. Hydraulic mobile truck cranes with telescoping boom over 80 tons require an Operator and a Driver. Where the manning clause does not require a Driver/Oiler, one must still be provided when moving or setting up the crane. All crane crew members must be members of IUOE Local 721.
- The agreement does not cover asphalt paving or work preparatory to paving such as spreading gravel and grading.
Leaves & Time Off
Vacation Entitlement
Vacation and holiday pay is calculated as a percentage of gross earnings rather than as weeks of entitlement.
| Component | Rate |
|---|---|
| Vacation and holiday pay (V & H) | 9% of gross earnings |
Paid Holidays
| Holiday |
|---|
| New Year’s Day |
| Good Friday |
| Victoria Day |
| Canada Day |
| Labour Day |
| Thanksgiving Day |
| Remembrance Day |
| Christmas Day |
| Boxing Day |
Other Leaves
- The agreement does not specify additional leave provisions (bereavement, parental, jury duty, etc.) beyond paid holidays within these appendices; such provisions are governed by the master collective agreement and applicable Nova Scotia employment standards legislation.
- Apprentice Mechanics are entitled to time off to attend school and courses related to their profession; such absences do not constitute a lay-off from work.
Other Highlights
Apprenticeship
- Apprentice-to-operator ratios: one apprentice for every 2–8 operators, scaling to four apprentices for 25–32 operators. Apprentices must be hired no later than the 7th, 11th, 20th and 29th employee milestones.
- Apprentice-to-mechanic ratios: one apprentice for 1–5 mechanics, two for 6–10 mechanics.
- Apprentice wage progression (percentage of journeyperson rate):
- 1st 1,300 hours: 55% (or $10.00/hr, whichever is greater)
- 2nd 1,300 hours: 65% (or $12.00/hr, whichever is greater)
- 3rd 1,300 hours: 75%
- 4th 1,000 hours: 85%
- 5th 1,000 hours: 95%
- Graduates of the Operating Engineers Training School enter the apprenticeship at the second 1,300-hour level. Only members trained at the Operating Engineers Training School may enter the program. New union members have 90 days to pass required programs to enter.
- All cranes on pile-driving jobs require an apprentice with the operator.
- A Joint Apprenticeship Committee (JAC) with up to three nominees each from the union and management is to be formed within 30 days of signing. The JAC meets quarterly and has equal voting power between union and management.
Job Security / Subcontracting
- The employer agrees not to subcontract to any contractor not under a collective agreement with the appropriate signatory Building Trades Union.
Grievance & Arbitration
- The agreement incorporates arbitration procedures for collection of delinquent benefit and pension contributions. Arbitrators have express jurisdiction to award contributions, damages and costs. Grievances brought by the Board of Trustees as agent cannot be defeated on technical or procedural grounds, including timeliness objections.
- Parties retain the right to proceed directly by civil action in the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia for collection of outstanding contributions.
Health & Safety / Protective Clothing
- The employer must supply rain gear as required to all employees.
- Coveralls (up to four per year) are provided to mechanics, servicemen and welders.
- Welding gloves and masks are supplied as required.
- The employer must provide a shelter for major repairs.
- Survey crew employees (Appendix 7 “B”) are entitled to rain gear and rubber boots as required.
DEI / Non-Discrimination
- No explicit non-discrimination or DEI language appears in these appendices; such provisions are governed by the master collective agreement.
Source Document
Tags
- NAICS Code: 237 — Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction
- Union: International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 721
- Employer: Nova Scotia Construction Labour Relations Association Limited (CLRA)
- Province: Nova Scotia
