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Eighty-two percent of VIA Rail Canada Inc. employees represented by the Canadian Auto Workers Union (CAW) recently ratified a collective bargaining agreement.

Retroactive to Jan. 1, 2007 and extending to Dec. 31, 2009, the contract includes a 3 percent annual wage increase and improved benefits, including a new long-term disability plan and an apprenticeship program for skilled trades. The agreement also calls for health and safety, employee assistance and life insurance program improvements.

The railroad and union reached a tentative agreement July 21, avoiding a strike. The CAW represents 2,600 VIA Rail workers, including on-board service and skilled-trade employees, and ticket agents. The union and railroad had been negotiating a contract since October 2006.