Alberta Fabrication Workers Secure 15% Raise and Improved Benefits in New Contract

Alberta Custom Pipe Bending & Mfg. Fabrication workers have won a major victory in their collective bargaining agreement, which locks in a 15% pay increase over three years in addition to a number of improvements to health benefits. Welders, machinists, crane operators, pipe benders, and general laborers working throughout the province are covered by the contract, which is represented by Local 146 of the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers.

A previous contract that ended a month ago has been replaced by the new one, which will run from April 2025 to March 2028. It provides 5% annual wage increases, with 10% in April 2025, 2% in 2026, and 3% in 2027. When compared to the previous contract, which only provided a combined 8% over three years, these increases are especially important. Prior to the new agreement, real wages had been reduced by almost 7% as inflation increased by more than 14%.

The contract includes significant benefit revisions in addition to pay adjustments. The coverage for accidental death and dismemberment passes from $75,000 to $100,000. Private duty nursing coverage has increased from $5,000 to $10,000 per year, and orthodontics coverage has doubled from 30% to 60%. Some benefits were reduced. However, dependent life insurance was removed, and lifetime coverage for laser eye surgery went from $1,900 to $1,750. Additionally, the health plan no longer offers short-term disability benefits.

The contract was approved in February ahead of the previous agreement’s March expiration date, demonstrating proactive negotiation efforts. These changes improve the financial and health care status of Alberta Custom Pipe’s employees, regaining lost ground and preparing them for future economic uncertainties.