Wednesday August 28, 2013
For Immediate Release
Vancouver, BC – “Difficult does not begin to describe this round of bargaining,” explained former IAM District Lodge 250 Directing Business Representative Stan Pickthall. He was commenting on the ratification by members of IAM Local Lodge 692 of the last offer from Avcorp Industries. The acceptance by the membership avoided strike action for the 2nd tier aerospace supplier.
“Our bargaining unit had suffered significant losses over the past 3-4 years due to the competitive nature of the industry,” said Pickthall. “We were looking for a 3 to 4 year deal with money in each year while the company wanted an 8 year agreement with no general wage increases until year three.” A strike vote in June produced a 90 per cent mandate and the 72 hour strike notice was served in mid-July pending the outcome of the last offer vote. An agreement was ratified on July 29, 2013 after 20 days of meetings. “This was as tough as it gets,” said Pickthall, who left District Lodge 250 to become Chief of Staff to Canadian General Vice President Dave Ritchie on August 6, 2013.
The six-year agreement provides wage increases of 1 per cent plus a $1,300 lump sum payment in the first year, 2 per cent in year two, 2 per cent in year three, 2.5 per cent in year four, 2.5 per cent in year five and 3.5 per cent in year six. Other agreement highlights include :
• Language for implementation of IAM Pension Plan over the first 12 months following ratification, based upon vote of Bargaining Unit members
• Improvements to dental and health benefits
• Recall rights of up to 7 years established, based upon length of service
• Severance pay increased to 14 weeks from 8
• Parties agree to a mutually respectful environment: new Process for Investigation of Complaints
• Terms and conditions for Controlled Goods Security Clearance (needed for JSF work) outlined in Letter of Understanding
The 250 members consist of Aero structure Mechanics and Machinists. Avcorp Industries manufactures and supplies aviation components to Boeing, Bombardier, BAE as well as other commercial and defense customers.
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For further information:
Stan Pickthall – IAM Chief of Staff
416-386-1789 Ext #6328/416-779-0448
Bill Trbovich – IAM Director of Communications
416-386-1789 Ext #6331/416-735-9765