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The strike by Unifor Local 112 and 673 at MDA Space’s Brampton location is over after striking workers ratified a new agreement.
Both Unifor and MDA Space issued a news release yesterday announcing the agreement. The strike at the Brampton location was initiated on April 8, 2024.
In its press release MDA Space stated that wages increases for year one would be 2.5%, 3.5% for year two, and 3.0% for year three. They added, “Based on the expiration date of the previous agreement, as of October 2023, and the retroactive dues that were agreed upon by the company, the effective Year 1 wage increases are 3.67%.”
As well MDA Space said, “Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) will be rolled into year 1 wages at $0.80 per hour, and reset to $0.00 effective October 2023. For the duration of the agreement, Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) payments will be adjusted quarterly, up to a maximum of $0.80 per hour.”
Unifor said in their press release, that “Over the life of the agreement workers will receive a total minimum wage increase of 9% plus Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) payments adjusted quarterly, up to a maximum of $0.80 per hour. During the dispute, the union successfully fought employer proposals to eliminate COLA. On ratification, workers will receive a minimum 7% wage increase and the existing $0.80 per hour COLA folded into existing wage rates. Workers will receive retroactive pay for all hours worked between October 2023 and May 2024, totalling a minimum of 3.2% which includes $0.34 per hour in COLA payments. The employer will also increase contributions to the employee Defined Benefit pension plan retroactive to August 5 2020 by $3.”
“In addition, Unifor members gained a new paid holiday for the first Monday in August and will receive two paid personal emergency days. Job classifications were also expanded to provide new career growth and training opportunities for workers, and new work was secured for the bargaining unit to operate the facility’s testing equipment. Language for the Skilled Trades was also improved to provide seniority protection and wage growth to apprentices as they progress through the program, and a guaranteed wage premium for machinists who complete their certification.”
Unifor Local 673 President Maryellen McIlmoyle said, “Our members love what they do and are eager to return to work. I am incredibly proud of everyone who held the line rain or shine to secure a fair deal, including a long-overdue pension contribution increase that was a key element in resolving this dispute.”
There are 45 members of Unifor Local 112 and 673 at the MDA Space facility in Brampton.
