IAM Local 1231 members employed by Spectrum Healthcare have ratified their first collective agreement.
“Due to the size of this group and the nature of their work we conducted a mail-in ballot and the response has been a 92 percent acceptance of their first agreement,” said IAM Grand Lodge Representative Ralph Martin.
The five-year agreement provides wage adjustments and general wage increases ranging from a guaranteed 5.8 percent to a potential 10.8 percent. Other agreement highlights include:
- Inclusion in the IAM Labour Management pension plan
- Enhanced vacation benefits
- Bereavement benefits
- Benefit retention of two months in the event of loss of hours
- Grievance procedures
- Arbitration procedures
Local 1231’s new leaders recently took part in the IAM’s Leadership I program at the Winpisinger Center.
“I saw the passion and dedication of these men and women first hand when I met them at the Winpisinger Center,” said IAM International President Bob Martinez. “I am so happy that they have ratified their first agreement and look forward to standing side by side with them and their families for years to come.”
“They are like family now. They are working together,” said IAM Canadian General Vice President Stan Pickthall. “There’s that connection and that solidarity that they’ve built among themselves. We as the IAM are facilitators of that process.”
WATCH: A New Local Lodge and New Leaders for the IAM in Canada
“Now when we talk, we know the union is there. Somebody is there to back you up and have your back,” said Rootisha Rampat, Local 1231 Shop Steward.
The 2,400 members provide in-home healthcare to patients across the Greater Toronto area. The group, organized in April of this year, is the biggest organizing victory in Canada in several years. IAM Local 1231, Canada’s newest IAM local, received its charter in August 2018.
“We’re a diverse group and we are dispersed,” said Liza Thambaiah, Local 1231 Shop Steward. “Now we are able to have one voice and put forth whatever issues we have.”
WATCH: IAM Charters New Canadian Local Lodge 1231
The post IAM Canada Local 1231 Ratifies First Contract with Spectrum Healthcare appeared first on IAMAW.
Source:: iMail