Cambridge Shelter workers in Cambridge, Ont., ratify first contract

Drive include several unfair labour practices: IAM

Cambridge Shelter workers in Cambridge, Ont., ratify first contract
The one-year agreement provides the membership with job security and a grievance procedure, said IAM. GOOGLE STREET VIEW

Members of International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), Local 103 ratified their first collective agreement on Nov. 15 with Cambridge Shelter Corporation in Cambridge, Ont.

“They fought us hard getting unionized earlier this year and again during negotiations, this was a long and tough battle,” said Scott Jackson, IAM grand lodge organizer.

The one-year agreement provides the membership with job security and a grievance procedure, said IAM.

Other agreement highlights include the introduction of an IAM pension plan for the workers, improved vacation benefits, bereavement leave and a modest wage increase for most employees, said the union.

It was almost a year to gain certification of this unit. Methods by the employer to obstruct the organizing drive resulted in several unfair labour practices filed with the Ontario Labour Relations Board, according to IAM. 

Latest stories