Machinists ratify new deal with Novelis

Posted on June 8, 2018 by Robert Aultman

Machinists ratify new deal with Novelis
trbo 6 June, 2018

Wednesday June 6, 2018

For Immediate Release

Kingston, ON – Members of IAM Local Lodge 54 have ratified a new collective agreement with Novelis Inc.

The three-year agreement provides wage increases of 2.5 per cent in the first and second year respectively and 3 per cent in the third year. Other agreement highlights include;

Increased shift change premiums
Meal voucher provided if employee works overtime for a period of two hours or more before their regular shift begins but only if the overtime request was given with less than two hours’ notice
Orthodontics coverage increased to $1500 lifetime for each dependent child
Paramedical expenses increased to $1,400.00 per year per family
Paramedical expenses increased to $800.00 annually per person
Vision care coverage increased
The 244 members manufacture flat rolled aluminum products for automotive, transportation and industrial applications as well as beverage can sheet for the canning industry. Novelis, formerly Alcan, is the world’s largest flat rolled aluminum sheet producer and the world’s largest recycler of aluminum.

Canada’s unions support Canadian retaliation against American steel and aluminum tariffs

Posted on June 7, 2018 by Robert Aultman

Thursday, May 31, 2018

Canada’s unions today applauded the Canadian Government’s retaliation against the unjustified and unwarranted American tariffs on steel and aluminum.

“I am pleased to see Canada respond so quickly and decisively to defend Canadian workers and industry against President Trump’s bullying tactics. Canada cannot waver in its defence of balanced trade,” said CLC President Hassan Yussuff.

Today, Canada announced plans to stand up to sweeping American tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from Canada. Canada’s plans include new surtaxes and other targeted measures on steel, aluminum and other imports from the U.S. amounting to $16.6 billion, the value of total Canadian exports of steel and aluminum to the U.S. in 2017. These surtaxes are set to take effect on July 1^st, 2018 and will remain in place until U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs are dropped.

“Trump’s aggressive trade provocations against Canada are a totally unjustified and unwarranted sanction against a fair-trading ally,” said Yussuff. “The implications of Trump’s tariffs will be felt on both sides of the border, but in Canada, it will impact the lives of more than 20,000 workers directly employed by the industry, and another 100,000 indirectly employed workers.”

Every year, Canada exports $6 billion worth of steel products to the U.S., and, because of the integrated nature of the North American steel industry, imports steel products of the same value from the U.S. Last year, Canada exported $9.3 billion worth of aluminum products to the United States. Canada’s steel industry is also responsible for millions of dollars worth of research and development throughout the economy.

“Unfair and one-sided trade tactics cannot be allowed to undermine Canadian workers and industry,” said Yussuff. “In the days and weeks ahead, Canada’s unions will be calling on the Canadian and provincial governments to assist Canadian workers and steel and aluminum manufacturers who will need support to maintain their livelihoods and stay in business until this dispute can be resolved.”

Need for respect brings passenger agents to IAM

Posted on June 7, 2018 by Robert Aultman

Need for respect brings passenger agents to IAM

trbo 30 May, 2018

Tuesday May 29, 2018

For Immediate Release

Calgary, AB – “These people had very simple needs, respect in the workplace and someone to give them a voice and they chose the IAM and we’re happy they did,” explains IAM Transportation District Lodge 140 General Chairperson Keith Aiken.

Two weeks ago, the Canadian Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) ordered a representational vote for the passenger service agents working for ATS at the Calgary Airport. The representational vote took place Monday May 28, 2018 and the IAM won the certification for 103 new IAM members.

“Organizing these types of servicing groups is difficult due to the high attrition rate,” explained IAM Transportation District Lodge 140 President and Directing General Chairperson Fred Hospes. “To organize in the province of Alberta makes these types of campaigns even more difficult. As such, this is really as big win for the IAM.”

“We had to dispel statements by the employer that workers would lose pay and their seniority if they joined the union,” said Aiken. “Our organizing team here jumped on that immediately assuring the workers this wasn’t true. They have been doing a wicked job for the IAM.”

This is the second group at ATS the IAM has organized within the last year. Fourteen Special Service Agents joined the IAM last November and have ratified their first collective agreement in April 2018.

The 103 passenger service agents provide check in and lost baggage services for United Airlines, Air Transat, Delta and KLM at Calgary International Airport.

The IAM is the largest union in Canada’s air transport sector.

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For further information:
Keith Aiken – IAM Transportation District Lodge 140 General Chairperson/Organizer
403-250-3708/403-921-8140
Bill Trbovich – IAM Director of Communications
416-386-1789 Ext #31/416-735-9765