Glencore mining workers accept new deal, avoid strike

Production and maintenance workers at Glencore in Sudbury have a new four-year contract after reaching a last-minute agreement.

A strike has been avoided at Glencore’s Sudbury operations after a last-minute deal between the mining giant and the union was accepted over the weekend.

The production and maintenance employees represented by UNIFOR Local 598 Sudbury Mine, Mill and Smelter Workers Union ratified the new collective agreement Sunday night, Sudbury Integrated Nickel Operations said in a news release Monday morning.

The union was poised to go on strike with the previous collective agreement expiring at midnight Jan. 31.

• Get local breaking news alerts
• Daily newsletter with the top local stories emailed to your inbox

A new deal was struck Saturday and was voted in by 73.9 per cent of the members who cast votes.

The agreement includes annual cost of living increases with a new minimum roll-in of $0.46 in addition to percentage wage increases, increased shift premiums and redesigned nickel bonus.

“Highlights of the four-year contract include a ratification payment of $5,500 in year one and $1,000 in 2028 to regular full-time employees, a one-time payment of $500 to retirees or surviving spouses, increases to short- and long-term disability and dental benefits, new massage therapy coverage, and pension improvements,” UNIFOR said in a news release.

“The committee also secured commitments to create a joint job evaluation committee, to reestablish the construction crew and company funding for a medication awareness program administered by a retiree committee.”

Company president Peter Xavier he is “very pleased with the outcome.”

• Download the CTV News app now

“Both teams worked hard to achieve this agreement and to find a balance of improvements that will benefit both employees and position our business for future success,” Xavier said.

“The new four-year agreement becomes effective Feb. 1.”

Local 598 represents nearly 700 workers.

More Glencore news:

• Talks continue between Glencore, Mine Mill as strike deadline nears
• Glencore confirms it will close Kidd Creek Mine at the end of 2026
• Feds give Glencore $11M to help develop all-electric underground mine