Machinists Ratify New Smarte Carte Deal!

Monday August 25, 2008
For Immediate Release

Toronto, ON – Members of IAMAW Local Lodge 2913 have overwhelmingly ratified a new three-year collective agreement with Smarte Carte Canada Incorporated.

The new agreement provides each member with a signing bonus of $500.00 and a wage increase of $ .50/hour upon ratification and wage increases of $ .50/hour on March 15, 2009 and March 15, 2010 respectively.

“These negotiations began in February and required a conciliator during the process,” explained IAMAW District 140 Regional Assistant Directing Chairperson Chuck Atkinson. “The company really pushed the envelope when they attempted to bring in replacement workers on the day of our last conciliation meeting. But the bargaining team led by Essa Abdi and Ali Wasuge held firm with their demands and backed by the unwavering support of the membership, we were able to make significant gains,” stated Atkinson.

Other agreement highlights include :

The company will now pay 100 per cent of the premium costs for benefits for all permanent employees
Inclusion of the new classification of Maintenance Cleaner
The 67 members provide and maintain baggage carts at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport.

IAMAW, among the largest industrial trade unions in North America, represents more than 700,000 active and retired members, and administers more than 5,000 contracts in transportation, woodworking, aerospace, manufacturing and defense related industries.

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For further information:
Chuck Atkinson – IAMAW District 140 Regional Assistant Directing General Chairperson
905-671-3192/416-833-8140

Bill Trbovich – IAMAW Director of Communications
416-386-1789 ext 6331/416-735-9765