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Workers at IMP Aerospace in Nova Scotia, members of Unifor Local 2215, have reached a new 3 year contract with the employer following a tough round of bargaining that ultimately led to conciliation.
The agreement includes wage increases each year of the agreement (2 per cent, 2.25 per cent, and 2.5 per cent respectively) as well as increases to the wage scales and a fifth week of vacation time.
“Our members showed tremendous support of the bargaining efforts, which really helped send a strong message to the employer that we were committed to get a new agreement in place that was fair for both sides,” said Al Rhyno, President of Unifor Local 2215. “Members organized ‘Fairness Friday’ walks in support of the union and we proudly wore our Union shirts in the workplace. It was clear to IMP that we were united and strong.”
After many long days at the negotiating table the bargaining committee was forced to take a strike vote with 90% support from the membership and proceed to conciliation. IMP would not move from their initial low wage offer.
“We had every intention to negotiate a collective agreement without going to conciliation but IMP would not budge,” said Chairperson Darlene McIvor. “Our members presented a strong strike mandate showing the company we were united and determined to make improvements to our collective agreement.”
Unifor Local 2215 represents the roughly 550 workers at IMP. The majority of the members work out of the Halifax airport performing maintenance and support to military and commercial aircraft for both planes (fixed wing) and helicopters (rotary wing) aircraft including the Sea King and Cormorant from DND. They also manufacture wire harnesses for a number of projects at their Hammonds Plains location. A third group of electronic technicians perform component repair and overhaul at the Canadian Forces Base in Shearwater Nova Scotia.
The new deal was ratified on September 4th by 70 per cent of the membership.
