SAINT JOHN, NB, Feb. 15, 2016 /CNW/ - United Steelworkers (USW) members at Entec Inc. in Saint John have ratified their first collective agreement with the company.

The members of USW Local 1306 voted Sunday to approve a tentative agreement that was negotiated with Entec earlier last week. The 60 employees, who joined the Steelworkers last May, assemble natural gas boilers for industrial and residential heating.

"This agreement is good news for these working families, for the employer and for their community," said Marty Warren, USW Director for Atlantic Canada and Ontario. "It enhances working and living standards for employees and helps build an improved workplace for everyone."

The three-year collective agreement provides an immediate wage increase of $1.10 per hour, with additional increases every six months until employees reach the top rate of the wage scale. As well, overall wage rates will increase by a further two per cent in each of the contract's second and third years.

The agreement also improves employee health benefits, vacation entitlement, shift premiums and overtime provisions.

SOURCE United Steelworkers (USW)