Tuesday March 31, 2015
For Immediate Release
Duncan, BC – Group solidarity is something every union strives for when organizing workers and negotiating their first collective agreement. The IAM has that and more with the new members at Peter Baljet Chevrolet – Buick – GMC on Vancouver Island.
“This group was solid all the way through the organizing drive but they really showed their determination during negotiations for their first collective agreement,” said IAM District 250 Directing Business Representative Walter Gerlach. “They turned down the first two offers and with the last issue; they wouldn’t sign until the employer dropped his demand to pay parts personnel at a lower rate than everyone else. They really looked out for one another.”
The two year agreement provides wage increases of 3 per cent in the first year retroactive to February 15, 2015 and 2.25 per cent in the second year. Other agreement highlights include :
• Ability to go become part of IAM Local Lodge 692 pension plan
• Time and a half overtime paid for at home web-based training
• The addition of Hourly Pay with Flat Rate Bonus
The 20 auto technicians, parts personnel and service writers are members of IAM Local Lodge 456. Peter Baljet Chevrolet-Buick-GMC joins more than 25 auto dealerships represented by the IAM on Vancouver Island and the lower mainland of British Columbia.
-30-
For further information:
Walter Gerlach – IAM District Lodge 250 Directing Business Representative
604-513-3883/604-831-2611
Bill Trbovich – IAM Director of Communications
416-386-1789 Ext #6331/416-735-9765