United Steelworkers (USW) union members working at tape manufacturer Mativ in Renfrew, Ont., will see wages increase by 13% over the next three years after negotiating a new collective agreement with the company. On Dec. 12, the 147 members of USW Local 6946 ratified a 39-month contract that will provide total compounded wage increases of 13% as well as solid improvements to benefits and other working conditions.

The ratification followed two months of negotiations which included assistance from a Ministry of Labour mediator. The workers manufacture tapes and adhesive products for industrial and commercial applications, including the famous Renfrew brand hockey tape used by professionals and athletes at all levels. The Mativ facility was previously operated as Scapa Tapes North America.

The new agreement provides workers with an immediate 5%, wage hike, followed by increases of 4% next year and another 3.5% in the deal?s the third year. Workers will receive higher shift premiums and safety boot allowances, and will see improvements in vacations, bereavement leave and health benefits including dental care, vision care, hearing aids, physiotherapy, chiropractic care, and registered massage therapy.