Pension plan changes, new pay classifications main issues: IAM
Members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), Local 1922 on Sept. 19 voted to go on strike against the Canadian Office and Professional Employees Union (COPE), after negotiations stalled.
Labour relations specialists and administrative staff of COPE Ontario voted positively in response to the employer’s latest offer. The parties have been in bargaining since March 19 with no progress, says the union.
“Despite the fact that these members work for a union, the IAM was their union of choice and we have a duty to represent them to the best of our ability. They have made a decision and we will support them one hundred percent,” says Jim Snider, IAM District 78 business representative.
The main issues important to IAM, Local 1922 members are changes to the current pension plan proposed by the employer, concessions in per diems and the introduction of a new classification the employer wants to unilaterally appoint rather than job-post, says IAM.
Labour relations specialists and administrative staff of COPE Ontario joined the IAM in October 2018. This is their first contract with the IAM, says the union.
COPE Ontario represents about 6,000 members that work in the healthcare and educational sectors as well as representing multiple other workplaces in the financial sector and union employers across Ontario and Canada.
