Workers At Uranium Mines Get Big Pay Raise

Workers At Uranium Mines Get Big Pay Raise

Wednesday, November 15, 2006 at 09:25

About 400 unionized workers at Cameco’s McArthur River and Key Lake uranium mining operations have accepted a contract settlement offer from the company.

The workers – represented by the United Steelworkers — voted in favour of a deal that sees their wages increase 21.5 per cent over the four years of the contract, further wage increases for journeypersons and enhanced benefits.

Cameco president and CEO Jerry Grandey says the deal will enable his company to attract and keep the skilled workers they need. Companies like Cameco have previously voiced concerns about losing skilled labour to Alberta’s oil sands.

Negotiations have been ongoing since the previous three-year contract expired last December.

In July, the company and the union jointly applied for conciliation under the Canada Labour Code.

A tentative agreement was reached on October 11th.