Pattison Agreement Attracts New Members to Machinists!

Vancouver, B.C. – The quick resolution to negotiations and the contents of the new collective agreement with Jim Pattison Toyota Downtown has resulted in three new members for the Machinists!
“The fact that we settled negotiations within three days of bargaining and were able to improve wages and benefits prompted three non-bargaining unit employees to approach the union for membership,” said IAMAW District Lodge 250 Business Representative Walter Gerlach.
“More than anything,” explained Gerlach, “they wanted a wage increase every year just like their unionized co-workers receive.”
The three-year agreement provides wage increases of 1.25 percent, 1.5 per cent and 2 per cent in the first, second and third years respectively. Other agreement highlights include :
• Short-term disability benefits increased from $429 to $625/week
• Increased Boot allowance
• Increased Tools allowance
• Establishment of a Hybrid Technician Premium of $ .30/hour
“We added three classifications when the Warranty Clerk, Shuttle Driver and Appointment Coordinator joined the bargaining unit as a result of this agreement, said Gerlach. The 27 members of IAMAW Local Lodge 1857 employed at the dealership also include mechanics, technicians, service writers, detail and parts personnel and lot staff.
The IAMAW represents workers at several auto dealerships in the lower mainland of British Columbia and on Vancouver Island.