The tentative agreement that ended the lock-out of 172 employees of Moosehead Breweries was approved by the membership on Wednesday night in Saint John.
132 ballots out of a possible 172 were cast in favour of the deal.
“Our resolve for a fair and just offer has paid off for our members. We always wanted the Company to be successful” stated Local 362 President Jeff Stoddard after the ballots were counted.
The new deal has a duration of 7 years. The longer deal provides:
· Labour stability for the Brewery Workers and the Company
· Continued benefits for members who retire;
o All members will continue to have access to post retirement health benefits funded by the Company
o The Defined Benefit Pension program remains in place, without change
o A new Retirement Savings Plan with mandatory joint employee/employer contributions for all employees
· Modest salary increases of between 6.5% and 7.5% over the duration of the contract
The parties also agreed to over 70 language and operation changes in the contract.
“The Members of Local 362 and Moosehead Brewery have been engaged in a long term relationship that has and will continue to benefit the company and the employees and their families for a foreseeable long term future. The deal is good for the Employees, the Company and the economy of Saint John.” stated Tom Mann, Executive Director of the New Brunswick Union who represents Local 362.
For further contact:
Jeff Stoddard 506-651-0140
Tom Mann 506-470-9072
