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EDMONTON, July 19, 2015 /CNW/ - Job action at AT Films ended today with the ratification of a new collective agreement by members of Unifor 21-A. Unifor members initiated strike action earlier this week after bargaining reached an impasse.
"Our members work hard and deserve job security and reliable benefits," said Mike Kapalka, Unifor Local 21-A President. "This new agreement accomplishes our goals."
Collective bargaining began in December 2014 but reached an impasse in early June. Unifor Local 21-A insisted that its members receive contractual assurances about benefits, which until this agreement, were not formally included in the collective agreement.
The agreement also includes strong language preventing contracting out and a wage increase in each year. Local 21-A secured successfully resisted all concessions from the company.
"I'm proud of our members' determination during bargaining and job action. This is an important victory for these workers," said Todd Romanow, a national staff representative at Unifor and lead negotiator.
AT Films researches, designs, and manufactures polythene film products for the horticultural, agricultural, and construction industries. Unifor members at AT Films manufacture, fold, and distribute polythene films products. AT Films is the first Canadian company to join a prestigious group of six businesses within British Polythene Industries PLC, whose head office and manufacturing facilities are located in Edmonton. A conversion site is located in Westlock, Alberta.
Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing more than 305,000 workers. It was formed Labour Day weekend 2013 when the Canadian Auto Workers and the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers unions merged.
SOURCE Unifor
