Monday September 23, 2013
For Immediate Release
Burnaby, BC – Any concern that Sulzer Pumps would close its Burnaby Service Centre have disappeared. “The concerns during the last collective agreement were fueled by significant layoffs that saw our number reduced to ten members,” explained IAM District Lodge 250 Business Representative Business Paul Pelletreau.
“Although manufacturing was eliminated at the Burnaby location, the plant’s responsibilities for repair, spare parts and duplicate replacement pumps for North America have grown significantly. Our membership now includes 20 machinists, fitters and specialists with more to be hired.”
A new three-year collective agreement provides wage increases of 2 per cent in each year plus an additional five cents per hour to the Employee Pension Plan contributions each year. Other agreement highlights include :
• Afternoon shift can now be a four day/ten hour shift
• Family Day added to Statutory Holidays
• Improved Life Insurance Benefits
• Improved Vision Care Benefits
• Introduction of Harassment language
“The strengthening of severance pay provisions for new hires and the removal of a plant closure means our members can breathe a little easier for the next three years,” said Pelletreau.
-30-
For further information:
Paul Pelletreau – IAM District Lodge 250 Business Representative
604-513-3883/604-839-6309
Bill Trbovich – IAM Director of Communications
416-386-1789 Ext #5331/416-735-9765