Share
The 220 Unifor members of Local 1411 have ratified a new three-year contract with their employer, ZF Automotive, in Midland, Ont.
Key victories include keeping the Defined Benefit pension plan and Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) – which means $1.70 rolled into the base wages.
Wage increases were achieved in all classifications, with progression reduced by one year, resulting in 81 members receiving an additional $1 an hour raise on day one (in addition to the COLA roll-in and wage increases).
There is also great job security bargained in, with more work to be brought back in-house to avoid layoffs in the event of an economic downturn.
The new collective agreement also includes significant benefit improvements including:
- Increased chiro and physio from $250 to $500
- Increased vision from $150 to $300
- Increased dental from $1,000 to $1,500
- Increased life insurance and AD&D from $50,000 to $60,000
Improvements to the Apprenticeship program were also negotiated, with rates grandfathered when members enter the program and an increase in tool allowances.
New hires will also now be eligible to take two weeks of vacation time even if they haven’t accrued two weeks of vacation pay.
“Congratulations to the bargaining committee for fighting for our automotive members,” said Local 1411 President Larry Moreau. “With inflation continuing to impact our members’ lives, having more job security, higher wages and maintaining a strong pension plan will help them weather the storm.”
