Unifor Local 530-A members have ratified a four-year collective agreement with Shell, which includes a 16% wage increase and aligns the Scotford refinery’s contract more closely with the Unifor Energy Bargaining Program.
The new agreement also features improved time off for statutory holidays and various union-based leaves, it said. These enhancements come after Local 530-A members voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action on June 27, following a prolonged period of stagnant negotiations, according to Unifor.
“I want to congratulate our members on standing up to a powerful employer and securing an incredible contract,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President. “These gains were achieved because our members stood shoulder to shoulder to ensure fairness and advance the rights of all energy workers.”
Unit Chairperson Brad Gosse echoed Payne’s sentiments, highlighting the broader implications of the agreement.
“Local Unifor 530-A members’ willingness to strike for a fair deal has set a standard that will reshape this unit and possibly the Scotford site for years to come,” Gosse said. He noted that non-union members now have a higher wage and benefits benchmark to consider, although the ultimate outcome remains with Shell.
Unifor, Canada’s largest private-sector union, represents 320,000 workers across various industries.