Canadian North ratifies new agreement

January 24, 2007 at 12:00 AM

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The CAW members at Canadian North have ratified a new agreement with a 78% majority. The new collective agreement will be in force from January 1, 2007 until December 31, 2009. Highlights of the new collective agreement are as follows.

Contract Highlights include:

• Wage Increases (Article 5)
  Jan 01, 2007 – 3%
  Jan 01, 2008 – 3%
  Jan 01, 2009 – 3%
   
• A $1350.00 signing bonus for members that were hired prior to January 01, 2007:
  Full-time
  Part-time
  Casual staff who worked more than 500 hours
   
• Increased vacation options utilizing bank-time credits. The amount of extra vacation has been increased from one (1) week to two (2) weeks per year
   
• Overtime rates of pay for part-time members will become “time and one half “(1 ½) when working hours in excess of the following:
  more than 37.5 hours a week, or;
  hours worked in excess of ten (10) consecutive hours or their scheduled shift which ever is greater per day
   
• The new hire probation period has been reduced to 975 hours or nine (9) months, which ever happens first.
   
• Paid time off for Bargaining Committee members during negotiations.
   
• Improved language regarding Discipline and Discharge -- Article 15. No time will be served for discipline until the grievance process has been exhausted.
   
• The Lead Premium has been increased to $375.00 per month.
   
• Increased contributions will be made to the CAW Paid Education Leave (PEL) Program.
   
• The northern allowance guarantee has been renewed.
   
• Northern Allowance for all hours worked by part-time staff.
   
• Improvements to Article 6 – Work schedules.
   
• Canadian North will make an annual contribution the CAW’s Social Justice Fund.
   
• A joint investigation process for harassment complaints will be instituted.
   
• Sick time for part-time staff will be increased from six (6) days to eight (8) days per year

“I am always happy to report that CAW members are making economic gains in collective bargaining. This is one of the primary reasons Canadians join unions – more can be accomplished by bargaining together than by individuals acting on their own”, said Leslie Dias – President of the CAW’s Airline Division. “I want to congratulate the Bargaining Team for producing solid gains for our members.”

Sherry Hodgson – DC, Bargaining Committee
Bonnie Properzi – Bargaining Committee
Anne Davidson – CAW National Office
Ron DiPasquale – Executive Assistant – West CAW Local 2002