Friday April 7, 2006
For Immediate Release
Mississauga, ON – Members of IAMAW Local Lodge 2243 went on strike early this morning at R-Theta Thermal Solutions after rejecting the final contract offer from their employer. (PHOTOS)
“The employer has been demanding concessions in every area of the collective agreement since negotiations began last August,” said Paul Mitchell IAMAW District 78 Business Representative. “This last offer, which sought to change their pension plan after freezing contributions for a year, really crossed the line as far as our members were concerned.”
Other employer demands included reduced rates of pay for new hires, extending the work week to 40 hours with an unpaid lunch, swing shifts and safety equipment replacement will be at the discretion of the employer as well as a wage freeze in the first year of a three year agreement.
The 63 members manufacture aluminum heat sinks and other thermal products used in the electrical industry to cool semi conductors.
The IAMAW is 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:
Paul Mitchell IAMAW District 78 Business Representative
416-225-9003
Bill Trbovich IAMAW Director of Communications
416-386-1789 ext 31/416-735-9765
