FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
25 February, 2004
Machinists ratify Héroux-Devtek offer – major gains made
The IAMAW Negotiation Committee made significant improvements on important items for new members of the International Association of Machinists, Local Lodge 1758, working at Héroux-Devtek in Laval, Québec.
The Machinists Union succeeded in negotiating major improvements in job security, salary protection in case of bumping, health insurance and the retirement plan. Moreover, the committee added language on joint training, technological changes and has completely re-written the grievance procedure in order to shorten the duration.
Leave of absence without pay can now be obtained for a period of up to one year. Leaves for family events and civic duties have also been improved. At last, one of the most important gains is the accumulation seniority for a worker when on layoff, sick leave or on worker’s compensation for up to 3 years.
Despite unfavourable conditions, the Machinists Union obtained salary increases of almost 12% on a 4-year contract. A united membership and a dedicated Negotiating Committee bargained a contract that we all can be proud of. The membership stood strongly behind this Committee. And that made the difference.
The recommendation of the Negotiating Committee was ratified by over 79 percent of the members present at the meeting. The vote was held on Saturday, February 29th, 2004.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW), affiliated to the QFL, is the largest aerospace and transportation Union in North America. With more than 700,000 members, the IAM is in all branches of industry. Our members make, among other things, airplanes, engine, electric and industrial turbines.
Source: International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, District 11
For information: Pierre Brisebois, Business Representative - District 11, IAMAW
(514) 956-1578
