IAM members working at Volvo Truck Canada recently ratified a new collective agreement. The 22 warehouse workers were very engaged in the process with near 100% participation in the survey process and in the ratification vote.
“This group has grappled with a two-tier wage system and three-tier vacation grid for well over 20 years, and through a strong mandate of the membership, the bargaining committee of Rich Dion and Ali Ahmad were successful in eliminating all tiers from the contract while at the same time getting increases for all the members,” said Eric Johnston, Directing Business Representative for District 78.
Eliminating a tiered wage system has many benefits, including improving worker morale, attracting and retaining skilled workers, promoting equality in the workplace and a simplified compensation structure. It can also enhance the company’s long-term financial health.
The agreement also included improvements to members’ shoe allowances, shift premiums, and increases to life insurance and AD&D benefits.
Volvo Trucks Canada is a regional distribution centre in Milton Ontario.