Kanata, ON – “In spite of the hardship and turmoil that is the paper making industry today, after months of bargaining together we were able to structure a positive deal at Asten Johnson” explained IAMAW Grand Lodge Representative Bill Shipman.
Shipman was pleased with the new four-year collective agreement with Asten Johnson Dryer Fabrics of Kanata Limited, recently ratified by the members of IAMAW Local Lodge 412.
The agreement provides wage increases of 2 per cent in each year. The average wage currently stands at $22.87 per hour. In addition pension contributions under the IAM National Defined Benefit Plan currently stand at $ .98/hour and will increase to $1.08/hour in 2013, a further earned sick day is added for a total of one per quarter, make-up time is increased by a full day and eye examinations will be covered to a maximum of $110.00 per 24 month period among other improvements negotiated. The eight hour overtime trigger for double time was preserved. “The membership’s vigilant stand is largely credited for our success.”
The 108 members manufacture dryer fabrics for Canada’s pulp and paper industry.
IAMAW, among the largest industrial trade unions in North America, represents more than 700,000 active and retired members, and administers more than 5,000 contracts in transportation, woodworking, aerospace, manufacturing and defense-related industries.