AIRLINE EMPLOYEES GET ROYAL TREATMENT WITH FIRST CONTRACT

AIRLINE EMPLOYEES GET ROYAL TREATMENT WITH FIRST CONTRACT

TORONTO – 300 members of Royal Airlines enthusiastically ratified their first contract as members of the Machinists Union on Friday, July 27, 2001. The ratification passed by an overwhelming majority of 96%. The cabin, ramp and passenger service agents of Royal Airlines are members of IAM Local Lodge 2913.

“Negotiations have been going on since September 2000, when the workers voted to join the Machinists. Negotiating is always a long and tough process, but we were hamstrung by developments outside our control,” says Don McLean, General Chair with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW). “Midway through the negotiating process, Canada 3000 bought out Royal Airlines and then replaced the management representatives with a completely new team with a different perspective. We had to start out all over again with new players.”

Highlight of the agreement include substantial raises for ramp workers, a pension plan that is 2% of income, an overtime bank program which gives workers an extra week of vacation, a sick credit plan and a guarantee of 60 percent full-time employment.

“It’s very unusual to get the kind of contract we did,” says McLean. “The pension agreement alone is unusual on a first contract, but the 60% full-time employment guarantee is even more of an accomplishment. Canada 3000 generally operates at 30%.

Dave Ritchie, Canadian General Vice-President of the Machinists Union says its no surprise they got such a good contract. “With our experience in the aerospace industry, we are able to bring a whole lot to the table. We know what’s fair and we know what’s current. When we negotiate, we do so from a position of strength.”

The IAMAW is Canada’s largest aerospace union, representing more than 60,000 workers across Canada since 1890.

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Source: Don McLean (416) 722-3754 (cell)

Press Releases 2001

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AIRLINE EMPLOYEES GET ROYAL TREATMENT WITH FIRST CONTRACT
TORONTO – 300 members of Royal Airlines enthusiastically ratified their first contract as members of the Machinists Union on Friday, July 27, 2001. The ratification passed by an overwhelming majority of 96%. The cabin, ramp and passenger service agents of Royal Airlines are members of IAM Local Lodge 2913. “Negotiations have been going on since September 2000, when the workers voted to join the Machinists. Negotiating is always a long and tough process, but we were hamstrung by developments outside our control,” says Don McLean, General Chair with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW). “Midway through the negotiating process, Canada 3000 bought out Royal Airlines and then replaced the management representatives with a completely new team with a different perspective. We had to start out all over again with new players.” Highlight of the agreement include substantial raises for ramp workers, a pension plan that is 2% of income, an overtime bank program which gives workers an extra week of vacation, a sick credit plan and a guarantee of 60 percent full-time employment. “It’s very unusual to get the kind of contract we did,” says McLean. “The pension agreement alone is unusual on a first contract, but the 60% full-time employment guarantee is even more of an accomplishment. Canada 3000 generally operates at 30%. Dave Ritchie, Canadian General Vice-President of the Machinists Union says its no surprise they got such a good contract. “With our experience in the aerospace industry, we are able to bring a whole lot to the table. We know what’s fair and we know what’s current. When we negotiate, we do so from a position of strength.” The IAMAW is Canada’s largest aerospace union, representing more than 60,000 workers across Canada since 1890. - 30 - Source: Don McLean (416) 722-3754 (cell)
Press Releases 2001