For immediate release
19 September, 2019
Toronto, ON – Members of IAM Local 1922 made their decision early this morning and voted to go on strike against their employer, the Canadian Office and Professional Employees Union (COPE), after negotiations stalled. COPE Ontario represents approximately 6,000 members that work in the healthcare and educational sectors as well as representing multiple other workplaces in the financial sector and union employers across Ontario and Canada.
Labour Relations Specialists and Administrative staff of COPE Ontario voted in favour of a strike in response to the employer’s latest offer. The parties have been in bargaining since March 19th, 2019, with no progress.
“Despite the fact that these members work for a Union, the IAM was their union of choice and we have a duty to represent them to the best of our ability. They have made a decision and we will support them one hundred percent,” said Jim Snider, Business Representative for IAM District 78.
The main issues important to IAM Local 1922 members are changes to the current pension plan proposed by the employer, concessions in per diems, and the introduction of a new classification the employer wants to unilaterally appoint rather than job-post.
Said Snider, “We have offered solutions, but the employer has refused to negotiate on these important issues. The members are firm in their resolve to gain a fair agreement and that showed up pretty clearly in the results of the vote rejecting the employer’s final offer. As a result, the membership will be taking action as of next week.”
Labour Relations Specialists and Administrative staff of COPE Ontario joined the IAM in October 2018. This is their first contract with the IAM.
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Contact
Kim Valliere, Directing Business Representative, IAM District 78
(519) 496-2510
Frank Saptel, Communications Representative
(416) 579-0481
