Vancouver, B.C. – The membership overwhelming ratified a new two-year Collective Agreement. The deal sees a significant wage increase of 8% in the first year followed by a 4% wage increase in the second year.
In addition, the Bargaining Committee was able to achieve double-time pay for work on a scheduled day off as well as improved call-in pay rates.
Hours of work language now clarify all provisions of the hours of work and includes minimum shift break and change of shift notification.
Other highlights of the new agreement include three weeks of vacation for new employees after one year of service, an improved health care plan, life insurance payable at 300% of annual earnings, Short-Term Disability full pay based on years of service to a maximum of 13 weeks, Long-Term Disability at 66 2/3 of the employee monthly earnings to a maximum of $10,950.00
In addition, no deductible for extended health care, an improved dental plan, major coverage for crowns and bridges at 80% with a combined coverage of Basic and Major at $3000.00 per family member per calendar year.
The employer clearly understood the difficulties they were having in attracting new employees and retaining current employees. They also were aware that they were behind in wages.
Business Representative Al Cyr commends the hard work and dedication of the Bargaining Committee members that included Business Representative Jay Garneau, John Freeman from Prince George representing Northern BC, Cameron Briggs representing Kamloops and the Okanagan Region, Jamie Hogarth representing the Crane Division, and Jesse Pooni representing the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island.
“This was a solid unified team effort by the committee to achieve the significant improvements in their Collective Agreement,” said BR Cyr.
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For more information:
Al Cyr, Business Representative, IAM District 250
acyr@iam250.org
