Steelworkers Reach Three-Year Deal with Haley Industries

RENFREW COUNTY, ON, May 4, 2015 /CNW/ - United Steelworkers (USW) members in Renfrew County have ratified a three-year collective agreement with Haley Industries Ltd., one of the region's major employers.

"We succeeded in negotiating a fair settlement through frank and honest discussions throughout the bargaining process," said USW Local 4820 President Mike Byers. "We hope this sets the stage for an improved relationship between the company and the unionized employees in the future."

The new contract covers approximately 370 members of USW Local 4820, who work as production, maintenance, office and clerical employees at Haley Industries, a wholly owned subsidiary of Magellan Aerospace. Haley Industries manufactures magnesium and aluminum castings for the aerospace industry, including engine castings for passenger and military aircraft.

"We've reached a good agreement that achieves progress on most of the collective bargaining goals of our membership," said USW Staff Representative David Lipton.

The contract will provide wage increases totaling 4.6 per cent over the term of the agreement. Employer contributions to the employees' pension plan will increase by 7.5 per cent.

The agreement also features improvements in shift premiums, bereavement leave and long-term disability coverage. Other gains include improved contract language regarding seniority, technological change and overtime.

"This agreement, negotiated between workers and an important employer in their community, will benefit the entire local economy," said USW Ontario Director Marty Warren.

"This agreement shows that manufacturing can thrive in Ontario and that free and fair collective bargaining is key to our economic success," Warren said. "It demonstrates that a low-wage, no-benefits economic strategy is not the right direction for our future."

SOURCE United Steelworkers (USW)

Marty Warren, USW District 6 Director, 416-243-8792; David Lipton, USW Staff Representative, 613-260-7205, ext. 232, [email protected]; Bob Gallagher, USW Communications, 416-544-5966, 416-434-2221, [email protected]