When workers come together, great things happen. This was evident in the recent historic agreement reached by the workers at Humber Motors Ford in Corner Brook. What began as a tense and uncertain negotiation process in October 2024, marked by setbacks and the looming threat of a strike, ultimately culminated in a remarkable victory for the union members. Through tireless effort, unity, and a shared commitment to achieving a fair deal, the workers secured an agreement that addresses both their immediate needs and long-term goals.
The bargaining process was anything but smooth. After an initial offer from the company was rejected by the membership, the dispute went through a conciliation process. With the clock ticking toward a potential strike, both sides remained at the table, working tirelessly to reach an agreement. The breakthrough came when the committee successfully negotiated a deal that addressed the key concerns of both the members and the employer, particularly wages and training.
For the members, wages were the top priority, especially in a market where mechanics’ wages are rising due to a shortage of qualified technicians. As International Representative at the IAM Union, Matthew Barnable explained, “We knew this would be a tough negotiation. Mechanic’s wages have gone up with a shortage of technicians, and our members were looking for a fair wage that reflected this.”
For the employer, the main issue was training. Despite the challenges, both sides managed to find common ground. Barnable added, “Training was the biggest issue for the employer, and thankfully we were able to work through that to get where we needed to be.”
Furthermore, one of the key victories for the members was the addition of a Heavy Duty Premium, which had been a longstanding demand. The members at Humber Motors Ford work on a significant number of commercial vehicles, and securing this premium was a crucial win.
The outcome says it all. The new agreement features:
- A 13% wage increase over three years.
- A $5.00 Heavy Duty Premium to compensate for the demanding nature of the work on commercial vehicles.
- An increase in the boot allowance to help cover work-related expenses.
- The removal of flat rate language, replaced with a 40-hour guarantee and gain time bonus, ensuring more stability and fair compensation for the workers.
Cory Pennell, shop steward and member of the negotiations committee, summed up the sentiment of the workers: “It was a hard battle, but we stuck with it, and we got it done.”
Barnable concluded, “Our members stuck together and stood strong, which allowed us to get this done.” In the end, this agreement highlights the power of unity and perseverance in securing fair wages, better working conditions, and a brighter future for workers in the automotive industry.
For more information
Matthew Barnable
International Representative at the IAM Union
