Hydro One Brampton Collective Agreement: What You Need to Know
The Hydro One Brampton Collective Agreement is the formal agreement between Hydro One Brampton and its employees, represented by the Power Workers` Union (PWU). The agreement outlines the terms and conditions of employment for the unionized workforce, including wages, benefits, working conditions, and rights and responsibilities.
The current agreement, which covers the period from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2021, was ratified on April 8, 2019, after months of negotiations between the company and the union. The agreement includes a 2% wage increase for each year of the contract, as well as a signing bonus and improvements to benefits, such as dental and vision care.
One of the key issues in the negotiations was job security, as Hydro One Brampton had announced plans to sell the utility to the City of Brampton, which would transfer ownership from a private company to a public entity. The PWU pushed for language in the agreement that would protect jobs and ensure that employees would be transferred to the new owner with their seniority and benefits intact. The agreement also includes provisions for a joint committee to oversee the transition and address any issues that arise.
Another important aspect of the collective agreement is safety. Hydro One Brampton is responsible for maintaining and operating the electrical distribution system in the City of Brampton, and the workers who maintain and repair the system face numerous hazards, including the risk of electrocution, falls, and exposure to chemicals. The agreement includes provisions for regular safety training, protective equipment, and procedures for reporting and investigating incidents.
The Hydro One Brampton Collective Agreement is an important document that affects the lives of hundreds of workers and their families. It reflects the balance of power between the company and the union, and it outlines the terms and conditions under which the work of providing essential services to the community is carried out. As such, it is a reminder of the ongoing struggle for workers` rights and a testament to the importance of collective bargaining in ensuring fair and equitable treatment for all.