Vancouver, BC – Christmas came early for the members of IAMAW Local Lodge 16 employed by Swissport Limited at Vancouver International Airport.
“We got the job security language we were after and a significant improvement on wages from the employer’s final offer,” said IAMAW District Lodge 140 General Chairperson Todd Haverstock. “Armed with a 94 per cent strike mandate from the membership, the employer agreed to resume bargaining in an effort to avoid a strike during the holiday season.” The membership ratified the agreement by a margin of 69.2 per cent last night.
The three-year agreement provides a signing bonus for Ramp Workers of $250 for those with six months service, $350 for those with 12 months service and $450 for those with 18 months service. Ramp Workers with three or more year’s service will earn a pay increase of 16.9 per cent over the life of the agreement. Baggage Sortation Operators with more than three years service will earn a wage increase of 23.5 per cent over the life of the agreement. Other agreement highlights include :
• Lead Premium of $3.00/hour effective September 1, 2009
• Job Security Language regarding contracting out
The 300 members provide ground handling and baggage services for Westjet and Continental Airlines as well as maintain the baggage sortation equipment at Vancouver International Airport.
“We got the job security language we were after and a significant improvement on wages from the employer’s final offer,” said IAMAW District Lodge 140 General Chairperson Todd Haverstock. “Armed with a 94 per cent strike mandate from the membership, the employer agreed to resume bargaining in an effort to avoid a strike during the holiday season.” The membership ratified the agreement by a margin of 69.2 per cent last night.
The three-year agreement provides a signing bonus for Ramp Workers of $250 for those with six months service, $350 for those with 12 months service and $450 for those with 18 months service. Ramp Workers with three or more year’s service will earn a pay increase of 16.9 per cent over the life of the agreement. Baggage Sortation Operators with more than three years service will earn a wage increase of 23.5 per cent over the life of the agreement. Other agreement highlights include :
• Lead Premium of $3.00/hour effective September 1, 2009
• Job Security Language regarding contracting out
The 300 members provide ground handling and baggage services for Westjet and Continental Airlines as well as maintain the baggage sortation equipment at Vancouver International Airport.