Friday, March 28, Langley, BC – Local 258 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers is pleased to announce that the employees of Davey Tree Expert Co. of Canada have voted to ratify a new one-year collective agreement, with 68.2% of votes in favour of acceptance. The agreement will take effect on April 1^st, 2025, for a duration of one year. The bargaining committee was able to secure a 3.5% wage increase, alongside increases to boot and meal allowances, as well as living out allowances (LOA).

Other highlights of the newly ratified agreement are as follows:

• Joint committee to be established to meet and discuss workplace issues semi-annually;

• Boot allowance for CUAs and AUAs changed to 100% to a maximum of $400 annually;

• Addition of Article 6.08 – riding in a helicopter will not be a condition of employment;

• Optional out-of-town shift changed from 28 days on to 21 days on and 7 days off;

• Living Out Allowance increased to $140.00 per day;

• Non-receipted meal allowance increased to $72.00 per day;

• 5 unpaid days off for indigenous employees to observe or participate in traditional cultural activities;

• New wage note establishing a process to withdraw services in the event the employer fails to pay wages or contributions to group benefits, GRRSP, etc.;

• Improvements to Appendix A – increase from 0.75 hour to 1 hour at straight time for additional traveling expenses in Option 2. New language establishing that for company vehicles over 5500 GVWR, time spent completing a pre-trip and travelling in such vehicles shall be considered hours worked;

Members are encouraged to read the Memorandum of Agreement in its entirety for a comprehensive list and description of all changes to the collective agreement.

“The bargaining committee is happy to have secured a one-year contract prior to the expiration of the current contract. In these uncertain times, a one-year deal ensures we are able to react in a timely manner to changing economic conditions,” said Assistant Business Manager Rob Munro regarding the ratification.

For more information, or if you have any questions, please contact:

Rob Munro, Assistant Business Manager – rmunro@ibew258.bc.ca