"By renewing these collective agreements in a proactive and collaborative manner, we're hoping it will enable the mill to reposition itself to take advantage of any opportunities in the future," said Unifor National Representative Gary Healey.
The new agreement expires on June 30, 2015 and covers 22 members. Unifor Local 495 members at Deer Lake produce power for Corner Brook Pulp and Paper. The facility has been in operation for more than 85 years.
"While this was a difficult round of negotiations, we are proud of the fact that we were able to protect the defined benefit pension plan, while making wage gains after a period of nearly five years of frozen wages," said Healey.
Kruger Inc. is a Canadian corporation which manufactures publication papers, tissue, lumber and other wood products, corrugated cartons from recycled fibres, green and renewable energy, and wines and spirits.
Unifor, Canada's largest union in the private sector, formed this past Labour Day weekend with the joining together of the Canadian Auto Workers union and the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union.