Wage increases, higher employer pension contributions part of new deal
Members of International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Local Lodge 1120 ratified a new collective agreement on July 17 with Badanai Motors in Thunder Bay, Ont.
The three-year agreement provides average wage increases of 2.5 per cent in the first year, 2.5 per cent in the second year and three per cent in the third year, according to IAM.
Other agreement high lights include:
- Five per cent increase in employer contributions to the IAM pension plan in the second year of the agreement
- ·vision care benefit doubled
- apprenticeship language changed so that upon completion of apprenticeship apprentices will receive 100 per cent of the journeyman’s rate
- schedule C and installer classifications will receive a $0.50 per hour and any and all percentage increases to their rate upon signing of agreement
“Cleaning up the apprenticeship language is a major victory,” said Pete Topetto, IAM Local Lodge 1120 directing business representative. “Apprentices were limited to only 80 per cent of the journeyman’s rate after completion of training and certification and changing the language means they now get paid what they’re worth.”
The 27 employees at Badanai Motors include mechanics, body-men, painters, parts personnel, shippers and receivers, truck drivers, lot porters, installers and lube technicians. The IAM represents workers at six auto dealerships in Thunder Bay and Nipigon in Ontario.
