The new members at IAM Local Lodge 2734 held a Ratification vote for a new contract with the Samsic PRM agents. These new members assist airline passengers with mobility issues get to and from their flight from a connecting flight, check-in and arrivals.
Just over a year ago they reached out for help to secure better rights and better pay. They were over-worked and underpaid. The company played favouritism which didn’t sit well with the workers. This new contract helped improve pay, working conditions and addressed the favouritism. Members saw an average of 21% – 24% wage increases over 3 years: 9.3% upfront, $175 for a shoe allowance, night shift premium and $100 uniform allowance for dry-cleaning and alterations, along with a shift bid procedure and seniority rights to rid of favouritism.
“Negotiations was far from easy, the company tried to take away agreed to items in conciliation, and cried about all the money they were losing,” said Kevin Timms, General Chairperson for IAM District 140. “My committee (Dorothy and Suman) stayed united and stood their ground while calling out the company. And in the end will reap the rewards of their hard work. I couldn’t be prouder to work with them.”
70% of the membership participated in the vote and 97% voted in favor of the new CBA. “Almost everyone left with smiles on their faces and an overwhelming amount of thanks and gratitude,” said Timms. “From the beginning of the morning to the end of the day, all we heard was how happy they were to have a union in place. We now get to welcome 108 new members to the IAM Family.”
The IAM represents the largest number of workers at Canadian airports.
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For more information:
Kevin Timms, DL140 General Chair Alberta & NWT
ktimms@iam140.ca
