Wage hikes in all three years of deal: IAM
Airport Terminal Services (ATS) workers in Edmonton ratified a first contract on Nov. 9.
“As first contracts go, this one is a beauty,” said Keith Aiken, International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), Transportation Lodge 140 general chairperson. “Any time you can negotiate significant pay increases in a first contract, you have to be happy.”
The three-year agreement provides wage increases of $0.50 per hour every six months in the first year and a one per cent wage increase in year two and three respectively, according to IAM.
Other agreement highlights include the introduction of a multi-employer pension plan, a reduced wage-scale grid from 11 years to 10, enhanced benefits, a sick-bank rollover (now capable of carrying over sick days to personal days the following year), new layoff and recall rights in place, and a new vacation schedule was established, said the union.
The 150 members of IAM, Local 1681 provide ramp services for United and WestJet airlines at the Edmonton International Airport.
The IAM is the largest union in the Canadian air transport sector.
