Bauxite company Bosai Minerals Group (Guyana) and workers union NAACIE have agreed on a new Collective Labour Agreement (CLA) which will see employees receiving a 7 percent across-the-board wages and salaries increase and other benefits.

A joint statement from the two entities on Friday noted that the Wages and Salaries Agreement will be effective from April 1, 2011 to March 31, 2012 while the CLA will be effective for four years beginning April 1, 2011.

New benefits agreed upon include: the increase of the Providence fund to GUY$40,000 or one week pay, whichever is greater; increase in vacation allowance, 7 percent increase for foremen, 6.5 percent for other employees with five or more years of service, and 6 percent for those with one year and below five years of service.

Vacation time-off was also changed to 21 days while the education grant and out of town allowance were increased. There will also be increased medical benefits to cover for dental and optical care for employees and their dependents, the release stated.