Pensions, wages, vacations top list of demands: Union
International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) members at Lakehead Motors in Thunder Bay went on strike Aug. 2.
The 36 members took action after the employer didn’t respond to the initial IAM offer. They have been in negotiations since March, when the previous agreement expired, said the union.
“The main issues were those which were already resolved at many other auto dealerships in the Thunder Bay area,” said Peter Topetto, directing business representative for IAM Local Lodge 1120. “Our members have just ratified similar agreements at four other dealerships in Thunder Bay, so I know our demands were quite reasonable.”
Areas being negotiated by the two sides were pensions, wages, language around vacation scheduling, damaged tool replacement, travel time for mandatory training and education and vision care improvements, according to IAM.
The 36 workers include technicians, body men, parts personnel, shippers and receivers, installers and general helpers.
The IAM represents workers at seven auto dealerships in Thunder Bay, among the more than 1,500 members at auto and truck dealerships on Vancouver Island, the lower mainland of British Columbia, Edmonton, Calgary, Fort Frances, Sault Ste. Marie, Markham, Toronto, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador.
