THUNDER BAY - A new agreement between union members and Bombardier has been ratified and union leaders say it benefits all parties, while still focusing on the needs of the customer.
The three-year collective agreement was ratified by members of Unifor Local 1075 on Sunday after a tentative deal was struck between the union and Bombardier before a 2 p.m. deadline last Thursday that would have seen workers walk off the job.
Included in the agreement is a seven-day work week for key work stations and new classifications for Bombardier Academy Trainers.
According to Unifor Local 1075 president, Dominic Pasqualino, the agreement is focused on the needs of the customer and the provisions included will help with the production of new street cars for the Tornoto Transit Commission.
“We went into these talks with the needs of the transit services we supply at the top of our mind," Pasqualino said in a release issued by Unifor. "With this collective agreement, we have taken steps to help the company meet its obligations, while improving job security for our members."
Production workers at the local plant will also see a general wage increase of 10 cents per hour a year and skilled trades workers will see an increase of 30 cents per hour.
The new agreement also includes pension increases each year, a fold in cost of living allowance, and increases to eye glasses and other benefits.
“This contract is fair to all members while meeting the needs of the company and its customers," Pasqualino said.
