CAW Members Ratify New Agreement at Integram in Windsor

WINDSOR, ON, Nov. 7 /CNW/ - Parts workers in the CAW have ratified a new 2-year collective agreement with auto parts maker Integram (a division of auto parts giant Magna) in Windsor, Ontario earlier today.

The new agreement, ratified by 78.2 per cent, maintains current wage rates for production and skilled trades workers and includes annual lump sum payments, extends the lifetime cap on health benefits to $300,000, drops the qualifying age for retirement benefits to 55 from 60, includes new job security language and establishes a new cost of living allowance (COLA) program, among other gains.

This agreement follows a series of strong, no-concession, contract settlements in the parts sector. Last week, CAW members ratified two new no-concession agreements at Martinrea parts facilities in Ontario.

Jerry Dias, Assistant to CAW National President Ken Lewenza, who oversees bargaining in the parts sector for the union, said the recently launched Auto Parts Workers United campaign and province-wide day of action on October 27 have sent a clear message to employer's that concession bargaining is a non-starter.

"Parts workers are united in this fight and aren't backing down," Dias said. "At Integram, our members negotiated a strong contract with the biggest parts supplier in all of Canada. There's no good reason now why other parts employers should think concessions are at all negotiable."

CAW Local 444 President Rick Laporte, who represents the 725 workers at Integram, said the gains made in this round of negotiations are significant for the union in its campaign to improve working conditions for all workers in the sector.

"During one of the most challenging periods for auto parts workers in Canada our members have made landmark gains, while many others are still struggling," Laporte said. "We are committed to raising the bar for both union and non-union parts workers and this deal with Integram certainly sets us down the right path."

The new agreement will expire on November 11, 2012.

For further information: contact Angelo DiCaro, CAW Communications [phone] or CAW Local 444 President Rick Laporte [phone]