Unifor cements pattern with FCA

TORONTO, Oct. 10, 2016 /CNW/ - Unifor reaches a tentative agreement with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) that secures investment for Brampton and Etobicoke, and cements the economic pattern established with General Motors (GM).

"It took many days and challenging conversations to get here, but we have a tentative agreement which includes investment commitments and matches the economic pattern established in the GM Agreement," said Unifor National President Jerry Dias who led the negotiations. "Entering into the 2016 negotiations the entire leadership at our auto locals unanimously endorsed investment commitments as our top priority. This objective was achieved with GM, and I am proud to report we were successful with FCA as well."

This is the second round of talks with the Detroit Three automakers to take place in 2016. The first set of negotiations with GM established an economic pattern for bargaining that included: investment commitments, 2% general wage increases in year one and four of the contract, a $6,000 ratification bonus, $2,000 lump sums payments in year two, three and four, benefit plan improvements and an enhanced wage progression for new hires.

"The bargaining committees worked hard in what felt like a marathon of negotiations, but I now have a sense of relief knowing we secured investment for Brampton and Etobicoke," said the Unifor FCA Bargaining Committee Chair, Dino Chiodo from Local 444 in Windsor. "After many years of receiving zeros, this pattern provides important financial gains for our members and their families."

Unifor members at FCA will have the opportunity to vote on the tentative agreement on Sunday, October 16. If the new four year Agreement is approved, Unifor will immediately resume negotiations with Ford.

In total FCA employs almost 10,000 members in Brampton, Etobicoke and Windsor. Unifor members make the Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger (Brampton Assembly Plant), the Dodge Caravan and Chrysler Pacifica (Windsor Assembly Plant) and cast components (Etobicoke Casting plant). Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing more than 310,000 workers, including about 23,050 members at the Detroit Three automakers.

SOURCE Unifor

To arrange a media interview with please contact Unifor Communications Director, Denise Hammond at [email protected] or (cell) 416-707-5794.