Tuesday May 10, 2016
For Immediate Release
Toronto, ON – The fight for a $15/hour minimum wage at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport has gained momentum with the ratification of a new three-year collective agreement for the newest members of IAM District Lodge 140 employed at Sage Parts Canada.
“Many of these workers were making just over $13/hour and traditional raises in the shop prior to ratification were 2.5 per cent per year,” explained IAM Transportation District Lodge 140 General Chairperson Mike Corrado. “Most of these members will now receive about $1.70 per hour increase bringing their rate up to $15 per hour retroactively and that works out to up to $1200.”
The three-year agreement provides wage increases of 12 to 13 per cent in the first year depending on classification and 3 per cent in the second and third year respectively. “Most starting rates have increased to $14.50 per hour and although we were not able to reach magic $15 per hour mark, all employees who went through our recent organizing drive reached that goal,” explained Corrado.
Other agreement highlights include :
- Members now have ten statutory holidays
- The $100 a year boot allowance can be carried over to the next year
- Employer will match members RRSP contributions at 100 per cent. Members can now contribute between 3 to 5 per cent of their wages and the employer will match that amount.
- Members will have uniform deposits deducted, and returned without taxation which puts an additional $130 in their pockets
- Members now have eye care benefits of $75 per year for eye exams and $200 per year for eyeglasses
The 12 members consist of shipper/receivers, parts pros, buyers, administrative assistants and sourcing specialists. Sage Parts provides automotive parts, transmissions, Ford 300 Engines, Diesel engines, tractor parts and wheels and tires to Air Canada.
The IAM is the largest union at Pearson International.
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For further information:
Mike Corrado – IAM Transportation District Lodge 140 General Chairperson
905-671-3192
Bill Trbovich – IAM Director of Communications
416-386-1789 Ext
