Union proud agreement needed no intervention
Despite taking eight months to negotiate, the new agreement between the Canadian Auto Workers and NAV Canada for 2,100 air traffic controllers has satisfied Local 5454 president Greg Myles.
“The commitment by both parties to reach a freely negotiated settlement demonstrates that outside intervention is not required or even desirable,” Myles said.
CAW president Ken Lewenza commented that “In today’s federal labour relations climate, this is a great victory.”
The agreement is for only two years, but provides three per cent in each year and increases job security, as well as giving the employer “productivity enhancing changes.”
Shift scheduling patterns are modified to allow the employer to schedule weekend workers with only one weekend day. A joint committee will study shift scheduling and make recommendations on new shift patterns that will provide more days off and improve efficiencies.
The compressed workweek is now available year-round to non-operational as well as operational employees.
First collective agreements were achieved in May between Stock Transportation and the CAW for two bargaining units of school bus drivers in Toronto. The union had extended its strike deadline over a weekend in anticipation of the settlement.
Drivers receive a signing bonus, a new wage grid and a two per cent increase in the second year. Rules are created allowing for seniority to apply in route selection.
Union release time of 10 paid hours per month continues through the summer months as well as the school year.
