News & Events Archived Newsletters CONTACT 2007 May 25, 2007MTD to Stay Open, New Agreement Ratified
CAW Local 1524 members at MTD Products Canada in Kitchener, Ontario ratified a new collective agreement, keeping the doors of the lawnmower and snowblower manufacturing operation open.
Several days into this round of bargaining, workers were handed a letter informing them that manufacturing operations in Kitchener would end on June 1, 2007. The company had demanded workers accept severe wage reductions, a loss of 180 jobs, and seasonal employment, with the plant to operate eight months a year instead of year-round. The bargaining committee refused and was shocked to learn of the closure.
The new collective agreement, set to expire in September 2009, contains no rollbacks in benefits, wages or pensions. After a difficult round of bargaining, this new agreement will secure some 250 full-time assembly jobs, in contrast to the threatened closure.
CAW local 1524 President Tim Mitchell said he is pleased with the results and would like to extend his gratitude to the bargaining committee, the National union, National CAW President Buzz Hargrove and assistant to the president, Jerry Dias for their efforts in negotiations.
"This is a victory for the manufacturing sector in the Kitchener-Waterloo region, in light of the many jobs lost in the area," said Mitchell.
The company knew their demands for concessions, including significant wage cuts, were not going to happen," said Jerry Dias, assistant to the CAW president. "They were well aware of our union's stand on no concessions."
"It's the national union's policy prohibiting such rollbacks that forced the company to find another solution," Dias said.
Shelter From The Storm
Orange was the colour of choice when the women of CAW Local 103 went into work on Thursday, May 10 in North Bay, Ontario. Local 103 purchased 100 orange t-shirts, emblazoned with the message "Shelter From the Storm," for members to wear on the job as part of a national campaign to bring public awareness to domestic violence.
The month-long campaign was sponsored by the Canadian Women's Foundation with money raised from t-shirt sales going to women's shelters across the country.
"We could have donated the $1500 directly to the local shelters," said CAW Local 103 Unit Chair Debbie Graham. "But that in itself doesn't bring awareness to the issue. We thought it would be better to have a public display like the orange t-shirts. Domestic violence is still very much hidden." Next year, Graham hopes to have an even larger campaign involving more community partners.
In the North Bay region, the Ojibway Family Resource Centre and the Nipissing Transition House will benefit from this year's campaign. Last year, the CAW National union made a $2,000 to the Ojibway Family Resource Centre.
Kelowna Accord Provides Hope for Aboriginal People
At CAW Council last April, the delegates passed a recommendation that CAW Council delegates write Prime Minister Harper demanding the government live up to the commitment made to the First Nations people under the Kelowna Accord.
The Kelowna Accord provides hope that Canada's Aboriginal peoples can some day have a future that is free from poverty. The Federal government must play a key role to ensure that happens. 'Over the many years, governments failed to keep their word to the Native Peoples and I believe this is unacceptable to Canadians as a whole.' said Buzz Hargrove, CAW President.
There must be a sustained investment for the revival of the economic, social, cultural and health status of Aboriginal peoples in Canada. It's time to break the cycle of poverty. We urge all local unions to write a letter to the Prime Minister based on the recommendation at Council. A sample letter is available under Campaigns & Issues on the CAW website at www.caw.ca.
Big Three COLA: on or after June 1, 2007
The COLA adjustment at GM, Ford and Daimler-Chrysler effective for the first pay period on or after June 1, 2007, will be 43¢. When added to the previous float of 68¢, the amount will now total $1.11.. Total straight time earnings for an assembler at GM, Ford and DaimlerChrysler will be as follows:
| GM Assembler | GM Prod.Tech. | Ford | DaimlerChrysler | |
| Base Rate | $32.25 | $32.54 | $32.24 | $32.24 |
| COLA Float | $1.11 | $1.11 | $1.11 | $1.11 |
| Total Straight Time Earnings (on or after June 1, 2007) | $33.36 | $33.65 | $33.35 | $33.35 |
| GM | Ford | DaimlerChrysler | |
| Base Rate | $38.64 | $38.64 | $38.64 |
| COLA Float | $1.11 | $1.11 | $1.11 |
| Total Straight Time Earnings (on or after June 1, 2007 | $39.75 | $39.75 | $39.75 |
'Irene has worked tirelessly supporting women, not only within her work place and union but within the community as well,' said Phyllis Foster, co-chair of the TWWN. 'Irene Lowell emulates what this award represents."
A CAW Local 199 member for twenty four years, Irene remained involved with the Local Women's Committee since 1986 and has been the chairperson of the Women's Committee since 2003.
Irene also volunteers at Women's Place and Niagara Region Sexual Assault Centre. She has been a Women's Liaison for the Council of Women for three years and has recently attained her Community Social Worker diploma with honours.
This is no surprise to the women in the union who know her well. 'Once again Irene will be out there supporting and assisting women. This Award is well deserved,' said Foster.
New Agreement at Meyers Transport
CAW Local 4268 members at Meyers Transport Limited in Ontario and Quebec have ratified a new three year collective agreement.
The CAW represents 260 members at Meyers who are dockworkers, mechanics, drivers and owner-operators at the international LTL (less than truck load) carrier. They voted 72 per cent in favour of the agreement.
Despite a tough bargaining environment, the negotiating committee achieved increases in wage rates, mileage, and owner/operator rates. In addition, there were pension improvements, new vision care, increases in life insurance and improved boot and tool allowances.
"It was a difficult set of negotiations because all transport sector companies are facing a slow down, including general freight carriers such as Meyers. The tough times in manufacturing have directly impacted volumes of freight," said Len Poirier, President of CAW Local 4268. "Despite these challenges, and with strong membership support, we were able to make gains in all areas," he said.
