August 11, 1998
(Works, Services and Transportation)

The following is being distributed at the request of Marine Atlantic:

Ferry service settlement ratified

The tentative agreement reached earlier this year between Marine Atlantic and the union representing its shipboard workers has been ratified by the Canadian Auto Workers membership.

The company has been advised that approximately 90 per cent of the 600 members in three bargaining units voted in favour of the settlement. Results of a ratification vote conducted among members of the Council of Maintenance Workers, representing approximately 50 shore-based employees, are expected shortly.

The three-year agreement was concluded on June 25. Its wage and benefit provisions are similar to those accepted earlier by shore-based terminal and clerical employees. Other issues of particular concern to the shipboard and maintenance workers were also addressed.

Union members will receive a two per cent wage increase in each year, with the first being retroactive to January 1, 1998. In addition, there is a pension contribution "holiday" in years two and three of the agreement.

Contact:

Ted Bartlett
Director Public Relations
(506) 851-3611
(709) 772-5731

1998 08 11 3:55 p.m.