The management of Sea Island Cotton Shop Limited and representatives from the National Workers Union (NWU) signed their first industrial contract today, July 17, 2013.

Over 60 workers employed with the company will benefit from an 8.5 percent general wage increase spread out as two percent in year one, three percent in year two and 3.5 percent in year three. A lump sum to cover the negotiating period was also agreed.

The agreement, which would be implemented in its entirety, would set a new regulatory framework to include hours of work, overtime, leave for urgent and private affairs, redundancy, transportation and acting allowance.

The parties, at the official signing, pledged to work together and to allow the collective agreement to determine decisions relating to general conditions of employment.