Tuesday March 6, 2007
For Immediate Release
St. Thomas, ON – Even an ownership change midway through contract negotiations didn’t stop the bargaining team of IAMAW Local Lodge 1703 from getting a new agreement for its members.
“Just as we were about to discuss monetary issues, Flex-O-Lite management informed our bargaining team it had sold the plant and we would have to negotiate with a new employer,” said IAMAW District Lodge 184 Directing Business Representative Brad Brereton.
“The negotiation committee led by Dave Lovie and Len Dubroy are to be commended for completing the deal with the new employer, Potters Canadian Partnership, under very trying circumstances.”
The new three-year agreement provides wage increases totalling $1.15 per hour over the life of the contract and brings the minimum rate to $19.96 per hour by the start of the third year. It also includes a combined signing bonus and retroactive pay in the amount of $400 gross upon ratification. Other contract highlights include;
- Proper Dues Check Off language
- Proper job posting procedures
- Improved Health and Safety training for all members
- Improved boot allowance
- New vacation language to allow higher vacation pay
- Improved Dental and Short Term Disability benefits
- .5 per cent contribution increase to Group RRSP
The 16 members manufacture reflective glass bead highway identification markers for the transportation industry.
