CROP INSURANCE AND SGEU RATIFICATION VOTE

The Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC) today announced that members of the Saskatchewan Government and General Employees Union (SGEU) have voted in favour of ratifying a new collective agreement. SGEU represents approximately 500 members working at SCIC's head office in Melville and 21 customer service offices throughout the province.

"We are very pleased with the ratification of this agreement," Acting SCIC General Manager Shawn Jaques said. "We will continue to work to serve the needs of Saskatchewan farmers and ranchers."

The new three-year agreement will be retroactive to October 1, 2009, and expire on September 30, 2012. The terms of the agreement include a 5.5 per cent general wage increase over three years and:

• an additional 0.25 per cent general wage increase in the third year in consideration of negotiated efficiencies;
• an employer contribution of 0.2 per cent toward the employee-enhanced Dental Plan;
• an overnight allowance of $25 per night for employees who travel away from home for more than three consecutive days, commencing after the third day;
• an increase in the designated holiday pay for casual, temporary employees and adjusters from 4.5 to 5.4 per cent;
• an increase in the employee and employer contributions to the Public Employees' Pension Plan from a total of 7.0 to 7.25 per cent of gross regular salary for employees;
• joint agreement to reassert SCIC and SGEU commitment to the Joint Classification plan; and
• agreement to reconsider the retroactive application of seniority for employees who previously were not given seniority after being away on maternity leave.

SCIC delivers business risk management programs including Crop Insurance, AgriStability and the Wildlife Damage Compensation Program to Saskatchewan's farmers and ranchers.

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For more information, contact:

Terri Kentel-Weinheimer
Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation
Melville
Phone: 306-728-7287
Email: terri.kentel-weinheimer@scic.gov.sk.ca

Susan Dusel
SGEU
Regina
Phone: 306-775-7249
Email: sdusel@sgeu.org