After several weeks of intense negotiations, Sterling Products Limited (SPL) has inked an agreement with the Clerical and Commercial Workers Union (CCWU) and the Labour Ministry that will see improved wages and benefits to its employees.
The ten-page agreement was signed in the presence of all parties on June 18, a press release from Sterling Products said. The MoU for the 2014-2015 period includes an increase in wages and salaries of 7.5% for 2014 and 7% for 2015. The new minimum wage is now $12,518 per week.
The agreement also provides increases in the annual bursary award, meal allowance, travelling allowances and cold room premiums. Other benefits that were maintained were paid vacation leave, employees’ health insurance, paid sick leave, education assistance, pension plan and life insurance.
Chief Labour Officer Charles Ogle commended SPL and the CCWU for reaching an agreement without the need for the ministry’s intervention. He also lauded SPL for what he described as its consistent effort to maintain good relations with employees and the union, and the company’s push to ensure working conditions are continually improved.
SPL CEO Ramsay Ali said he was satisfied with the union’s work and the other parties in reaching the agreement. “The employees were represented and for ten years as CEO of the company we always look for the betterment of Sterling Products Limited and the employees,” he said.
In his remarks, CCWU president Sherwood Clarke it took a lot of work to reach an agreement but everyone is pleased with the results. He said the union did fairly well in negotiations and he thanked the management of SPL for its patience. “At the end I’m very pleased and we are looking forward for this kind of relationship in the future,” he said.
