TORONTO, Feb. 15, 2017 /CNW/ - After more than a week of solidarity actions, the workers at Vast Auto in Brampton have ratified a collective agreement that will help lift the workers out of their poverty-level wages.
"This was a big victory because of the action taken by workers and the capacity of our union to apply pressure on the employer," said Unifor staff representative Paulo Ribeiro.
The 29 members of Unifor Local 1285 were forced on strike February 3 after Vast Auto walked away from the bargaining table rather than raise poverty-level wages. The three-year deal ratified today will see starting wages rise from $12.70 an hour to $14 immediately. By the end of the contract, the starting wage will be $15, with a top rate of 17.16.
The new collective agreement comes after more than a week of other Unifor members picketing with the Vast Auto strikers in Brampton, and a rally held last Friday at the employer's Scarborough location that attracted more than 70 supporters. Within days, the company requested a return to the table, with a deal reached Monday.
"The members are building their union and the capacity of the local after pushing the employer in this their second collective agreement," Ribeiro said. "They have showed great solidarity, and were invigorated by the support they received from across the union."
Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing more than 310,000 workers. It was formed Labour Day weekend 2013 when the Canadian Auto Workers and the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers union merged.
SOURCE Unifor
Please contact Unifor Communications National Representative Stuart Laidlaw at [email protected] or (cell) 647-385-4054.
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