On June 14, 2025, the 84 members of the RTI-Claro inc. unit, Local 712, ratified their first collective agreement at a meeting held at Cité GénérAction 55+ in Terrebonne. This three-year agreement concludes negotiations that began in September 2024.
The new collective agreement brings significant improvements to working conditions, including:
- Total salary progression of 15.22% over three years, including wage increases and adjustments from the first year (7.5% on average)
- Integration of a fair salary progression grid allowing each employee to have a clear vision of their career advancement
- Introduction of seniority provisions affecting vacations, layoffs, recalls, and bumping rights
- Service recognition bonus after 8 years of seniority
- Substantial reduction in employee contribution to group insurance (40% for employee and 60% for employer)
- Introduction of RRFS-FTQ as a pension plan (planned for 2026)
- Limitation on the use of placement agency personnel
- Establishment of a temporary assignment procedure
Solidarity at the Heart of Success
Accompanied by District 11 Business Agent Stéphane Paré, the negotiating committee comprised of Benoit Sauriol, Marc Schowe, and Adberrahmane Mohellebi held talks for nearly nine months before reaching a first agreement. After recognizing the impasse negotiations had reached during the holiday season, the intervention of a conciliator was necessary to break the deadlock and achieve a satisfactory agreement.
“I would like to thank all members of the negotiating team who actively participated in settling a first collective agreement. It is thanks to their sustained efforts and perseverance that we were able to achieve the members’ objectives. The gains obtained for RTI-Claro unit members demonstrate the committee’s determination despite the difficulties encountered along the way and the intergenerational challenge provoked by the employer,” states Stéphane Paré.
The Business Agent also emphasizes the importance of dialogue established with the employer: “Committee members were very vocal with the employer. They explained what wasn’t working and what needed to be done for the good of both members and the organization. The employer has injected $820,000 in wages alone for the duration of the contract. Now that the foundations have been negotiated and agreed upon, members will feel respected in their rights and seniority.”
Unwavering Member Support
The patience and solidarity of members were exemplary throughout the process. The negotiating committee felt fully supported, particularly during the critical period before the fateful open period deadline. Nearly all employees renewed their union membership cards, thus demonstrating their confidence in their union and countering any possible decertification attempt.
An information meeting had presented the accomplishments achieved and the direction negotiations were heading, thus reinforcing the necessary member support. With this agreement now ratified, RTI-Claro workers will realize in the coming weeks and months the extent of gains obtained through their mobilization and the strength of a real union.
This first collective agreement represents not only a victory for current members but also lays solid foundations for the future of all RTI-Claro inc. employees.
