Machinists ratify first contract with Cambridge Shelter
Thursday November 15, 2018
For Immediate release
Cambridge, ON – The members of IAM Local Lodge 103 have ratified their first collective agreement with Cambridge Shelter Corporation.
“They fought us hard getting unionized earlier this year and again during negotiations, this was a long and tough battle,” said IAM Grand Lodge Organizer Scott Jackson. “The members and the negotiations committee of Joyann Robbins, Eric Johnson and Dean Hislop stayed strong and achieved their goal.”
The one-year agreement provides the membership with job security and a grievance procedure. Other agreement highlights include:
- IAM Pension plan
- Improved vacation benefits
- Bereavement leave
- Modest wage increase for most employees
It was almost a year to gain certification of this unit. Methods by the employer to obstruct the organizing drive resulted in several unfair labour practices filed with the Ontario Labour Relations Board. “It took a while but after several weeks all of the unfair labour practice complaints had been resolved and the issues of whether individual workers should be in or out of the union, have been decided by the spring of this year,” explained Jackson. These 42 new members work with people that have housing and/or addiction issues in the community. “This perhaps explains why these workers were fearless in wanting fairness in their workplace,” said Jackson.
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For further information:
Scott Jackson – IAM Grand Lodge Organizer
416-225-9003/416-579-0854
Bill Trbovich – IAM Director of Communications
416-386-1789 Ext #31/417-735-9765
