HALIFAX – Union members at Bell Aliant (TSX:BA.UN) have ratified a labour deal that gives them a six per cent wage hike over three years.
Rick Rose of Unifor says 74 per cent of workers who voted ratified the agreement.
The union local represents 2,800 workers at the Atlantic Canada telecommunications firm.
The agreement takes effect on Jan. 1 and will cover the workers once they become employees of Bell Canada Enterprises.
Bell Canada Enterprises is preparing to finalize the privatization of Bell Aliant — a deal announced in July.
Wage increases are for two per cent in each of the three years of the agreement along with a $1,000 signing bonus, an increase in hardship allowances and improved boot and safety shoe entitlements.
The deal also offers provisions for up to 450 workers to be offered enhanced retirement incentives.
