Wednesday February 21, 2007
For Immediate Release
Vancouver, BC – The members of IAMAW Local Lodge 16 employed by Swissport Canada Handling Incorporated couldn’t be happier with their first collective agreement.
“This has to go down as one of the greatest victories for the IAMAW on a first contract,” said Mike Clegg, General Chairperson of IAMAW District 140. “Not only was the wage package outstanding but we also obtained benefits coverage for part-time workers, something they’ve never had in the past.”
The three-year agreement provides for wage increases of seven per cent in each year. Other agreement highlights include:
- Lead Pay premiums increased by 25 cents per hour in the first year and 10 cents per hour in year two and three respectively
- Full Dental and Eye Care for both full and part-time workers
- Company to pay 50 per cent of provincial medical coverage
- Improved coverage for physiotherapy & chiropractic medical care
- The Union will now administer shift bids
- Boot Allowance improved to $70 per year for both full and part-time workers
- Overtime paid for hours worked in excess of regular scheduled hours
“Our record of service to our members is what convinced these workers to join the Machinists last May and this first agreement is proof they made the right choice,” said Clegg. The 150 members provide ramp and cabin services for Westjet and Northwest Airlines at Vancouver International Airport.
IAMAW, 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.
