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Members at General Dynamics Land Systems Canada have voted massively in favour of a new collective agreement, with 95 per cent in support.
The 420 workers, represented by Local 27, Unit 66, avoided strike action when the new three year deal was ratified on March 19, 2019.
“One of our major issues was job loss due to attrition and we were able to obtain a commitment from General Dynamics to replenish the workforce,” said Jeff Skinner, Unit 66 Chairperson. “Negotiations went down to the wire but in the end the bargaining committee achieved key gains and walked away with a good contract.”
The bargaining committee assured job growth with a commitment letter to increase employment levels.
Financial improvements were attained with a lump sum payment in each year of the agreement of 2.5 per cent on the job code rate, special payments of 1,200 a year, and a $1,000 signing bonus. Cost-of-living adjustment was maintained and some classifications were combined resulting in wage increases.
The new contract also contains pension gains, improved dental, paramedical, vision and laser eye surgery benefits, and increased call-in without a doctor’s note.
In addition to the hundreds of employees, it is estimated that more than 5,000 additional workers depend on spinoff jobs from General Dynamics in the London, Ontario area.
