RSP matching contributions, increase shift premiums part of deal: Union
Warehouse workers for Swissport in Vancouver ratified their first collective agreement June 6.
“The wages were all over the map and now there is a wage scale based on years of service which is acceptable to the group, “said Todd Haverstock, International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) transportation district lodge 140 chairperson. “The majority of this group had been underpaid for many years so when they were told that the average wage increase was $3.17 an hour, they were overjoyed.”
The two-year agreement provides wage increases ranging from $2 to $4.94 per hour depending upon classification and years of service. The members also received a signing bonus ranging from $750 to $2,000, depending on seniority, said the union.
Other agreement highlights include:
- Increased sick-time benefits.
- Matching RRSP of $100 per month.
- Lead premium of $3 per hour and senior lead premium of $4 per hour.
“When you tell a worker who makes just under $120 an hour that this agreement will give them a $4.94 an hour raise with a chance to earn another $4 an hour in premiums if they qualify, it’s not hard to understand why they ratified,” said Haverstock.
The 17 union members prepare air cargo for loading into aircraft at Vancouver International Airport.
