Thursday July 25, 2013
For Immediate Release
Sault Ste. Marie, ON – It took only two days of bargaining to achieve a new agreement between Highland Ford and members of IAM Local Lodge 2332.
“It’s the difference between night and day,” said IAM Grand Lodge Representative Gary Hynes. “There’s a new owner with a new attitude toward his employees and this will go a long way to mending relations that were damaged almost to the point of no repair.” On December 21, 2009, members at Highland Ford and two other steel-city dealerships were locked out of their jobs for refusing to sign a new collective agreement. The lockout lasted 119 days!
“They were locked out just before Christmas and withstood freezing temperatures on the picket line,” explained retiring IAM Business Representative Rob Thompson. “They survived a Ministry of Labour vote which saw 12 of their number return to work at Prouse Motors and they still held out for a better deal.”
History did not repeat itself with this contract. The new five-year agreement provides a wage increase of 3 per cent in each year. Other agreement highlights include :
• Improved pension plan contributions
• Improved benefits
• Improved contract language
“My intention is to create a happy work environment and provide job security for my employees and I think this agreement is positive first step,” said Highland Ford owner Darren Smyl.
The 20 members include mechanics, body men, painters, parts personnel, general garage workers and clerical staff. The IAM also represents workers at Maitland Motors, Superior Dodge Chrysler and Prouse Motors.
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For further information:
Gary Hynes – IAM Grand Lodge Representative
416-225-9003/416-579-0773
Bill Trbovich – IAM Director of Communications
416-386-1789 Ext #6331/416-735-9765