Nanaimo, BC – A strong strike mandate from members of IAMAW Local Lodge 1857 was the key ingredient in obtaining a new collective agreement with Inland Kenworth Sales.
“Our members were faced with a challenge after the first round of bargaining,” explained IAMAW Business Representative Alastair Haythornthwaite. “The money was adequate, given the economy and specific issues had been resolved but the company still demanded three items that didn’t sit well with the membership.” During the second round of bargaining, the employer dropped one item but continued to demand the other two.
“When the bargaining team returned to the table with a 90 per cent strike mandate, the company quickly dropped all contentious proposals. It’s another example of how solidarity is the most effective arrow in the Union quiver!”
The three-year agreement provides wage increases of 2 per cent in each year, with Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) protection to 3 per cent in the last year. Further wage increases through certification premiums include :
• Motor Vehicle Inspection tickets $ .75/hour
• Class 1 or 3 driving licence $ .50/hour
• Caterpillar Engine certification $ .25/hour
• MX Engine Certification $ .25/hour
• Cummins Engine Certification $ .25/hour
• Eaton Transmission Certification $ .25/hour
Other agreement highlights include :
• An increase to $2,000 for yearly dental allowances
• $100 a week for carrying the company phone
• $3 per hour for field work
• A $1 increase for equipment mechanics
• Increased First Aid Ticket premium of up to $1/hour
• 6 weeks vacation after 30 years
• A joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee to oversee all upgrading and apprentices
• A new classification for Resident Mechanic
• Members to vote to join Machinists Pension Plan or remain with employer Retirement Savings Plan
The 21 members consist of Service Writers, Parts personnel, Heavy Duty Mechanics and Commercial Transport Mechanics.
“Our members were faced with a challenge after the first round of bargaining,” explained IAMAW Business Representative Alastair Haythornthwaite. “The money was adequate, given the economy and specific issues had been resolved but the company still demanded three items that didn’t sit well with the membership.” During the second round of bargaining, the employer dropped one item but continued to demand the other two.
“When the bargaining team returned to the table with a 90 per cent strike mandate, the company quickly dropped all contentious proposals. It’s another example of how solidarity is the most effective arrow in the Union quiver!”
The three-year agreement provides wage increases of 2 per cent in each year, with Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) protection to 3 per cent in the last year. Further wage increases through certification premiums include :
• Motor Vehicle Inspection tickets $ .75/hour
• Class 1 or 3 driving licence $ .50/hour
• Caterpillar Engine certification $ .25/hour
• MX Engine Certification $ .25/hour
• Cummins Engine Certification $ .25/hour
• Eaton Transmission Certification $ .25/hour
Other agreement highlights include :
• An increase to $2,000 for yearly dental allowances
• $100 a week for carrying the company phone
• $3 per hour for field work
• A $1 increase for equipment mechanics
• Increased First Aid Ticket premium of up to $1/hour
• 6 weeks vacation after 30 years
• A joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee to oversee all upgrading and apprentices
• A new classification for Resident Mechanic
• Members to vote to join Machinists Pension Plan or remain with employer Retirement Savings Plan
The 21 members consist of Service Writers, Parts personnel, Heavy Duty Mechanics and Commercial Transport Mechanics.