Eastern Canada workers vote 63% in favour of AbitibiBowater collective agreement

AbitibiBowater's unionized employees in Eastern Canada, represented by the Communications, Energy, and Paperworkers Union of Canada (CEP), have voted 63% in favour of their proposed collective agreement.

The new agreement carries a 5 year term. The deal includes a 10% wage reduction, with wage increases resuming in 2012 and 2013. Current pensions will be maintained. The agreement also includes a new jointly managed pension plan with 10 per cent employer contributions for future service.

The deal is now conditional upon government approval in Quebec and Ontario.

The agreement covers about 3,000 CEP members in 18 local unions.

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Workers approve deal (TbNewsWatch)

Workers ratify new contract with AbitibiBowater (Reuters)