Efforts targeting other Magna workers expected
Auto parts producer Magna International’s seeming immunity to union certification has come to an end. Seven hundred workers at a Magna subsidiary ratified a deal with the Canadian Auto Workers union on Nov. 10.
The United Auto Workers represents some workers at U.S. plants. Moreover, the CAW was successful in organizing workers at a Magna plant in St. Catharines in the 1980’s, but was later decertified. Since then, the CAW has struggled to get a foothold in Magna in Canada.
The CAW’s organizing efforts at Magna’s Integram factory in Windsor began two years ago. Magna originally opposed the CAW’s efforts, claiming union leaders engaged in unfair labour pratices. It dropped its complaints to the Ontario Labour Board in January.
The CAW has negotiated a three-year contract for the workers. A key term is the no strikes/no lockouts provision, which guarantees no work interruptions for the next six years. Another feature enables workers with grievances to pursue them either through a multi-step company/union process or through a special employee committee.
Other aspects of the agreement include wage increases of 13.1 per cent over the three years, a $1,000 bonus, more job security and better benefits.
Given that its membership is declining at the other Big Three automakers (GM, Ford and DaimlerChrysler), the CAW is expected to increase its efforts to unionize other Magna workers.
The United Auto Workers represents some workers at U.S. plants. Moreover, the CAW was successful in organizing workers at a Magna plant in St. Catharines in the 1980’s, but was later decertified. Since then, the CAW has struggled to get a foothold in Magna in Canada.
The CAW’s organizing efforts at Magna’s Integram factory in Windsor began two years ago. Magna originally opposed the CAW’s efforts, claiming union leaders engaged in unfair labour pratices. It dropped its complaints to the Ontario Labour Board in January.
The CAW has negotiated a three-year contract for the workers. A key term is the no strikes/no lockouts provision, which guarantees no work interruptions for the next six years. Another feature enables workers with grievances to pursue them either through a multi-step company/union process or through a special employee committee.
Other aspects of the agreement include wage increases of 13.1 per cent over the three years, a $1,000 bonus, more job security and better benefits.
Given that its membership is declining at the other Big Three automakers (GM, Ford and DaimlerChrysler), the CAW is expected to increase its efforts to unionize other Magna workers.
