(Source: Teamsters Canada Rail Conference press release, August 19, 2014)
TORONTO — The workers of Bombardier (which operate GO Transit) ratified a new collective agreement on August 15 after 20 months of bargaining that began in fall 2012. The new agreement will expire at the end of 2017.
Under the new agreement, workers will see a wage increase of 12.33% over term.
“The negotiation was far from easy but we absolutely wanted to avoid any interruption of service for the users while negotiating a contract that was fair for the workers,” explained George MacPherson, General Chairman for Division 660 of the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference at Bombardier.
Several other standard and operational clauses have been improved, notably those pertaining to annual vacation and train maintenance. As well, the shuttle service between Pearson Airport and Union Station has been expanded, creating 65 additional jobs.
“Expansion of service to commuter rail is considerable and the creation of good paying, unionized jobs is a positive development for the Ontario workers,” said the union leader. “Our members work very hard in providing a professional service to the public, and take great pride in being professionals in the rail industry.”
Outsourcing will be reduced and eventually eliminated.
“This agreement provides stability to the travelling public and the workers within the commuter rail industry in Ontario, and provides a fair and decent increase for the Teamsters membership,” concluded MacPherson.
Go Train provides transportation to over 250,000 passengers per day in Ontario.
The Teamsters represents 115,000 members in Canada in all trades. The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, with which Teamsters Canada is affiliated, has 1.4 million members in North America.