Big Brown ups starting wage

MISSISSAUGA — UPS drivers and dockworkers in Canada have overwhelmingly ratified a new contract by more than 83 percent that increases the starting wage, guarantees annual increases enhances the pension plan.

According to a statement released by the Teamsters, which represents the workers, the five-year contract was signed Friday, it took effect Aug. 1 and expires on July 31, 2015.

Val Neal, the director of Teamsters Canada’s Parcels and Small Packages Division, reports that the agreement was reached over about four weeks of negotiations.

In addition to changes to language surrounding the 30-year pension cap, highlights included:

Changes to language that requires the company to reduce excessive overtime when requested by the employee;

An increase in starting wages for all new hires;

A total increase in wages of $2.80 per hour over the five years:

A $500 signing bonus for all full and part-time workers as of the date of the contract ratification.