02/05/10—Local 53 Members Ratify First Agreement
Chatham, ON—Following certification in the last half of 2009, Local 53 members employed by Postma Heating and Cooling voted heavily in favour of ratifying their first collective agreement. The contract includes an immediate wage increase of approximately five to eight percent as well as improvements to vacation, benefits, boot allowance, overtime provisions, and contract language regarding seniority and layoffs.
"We are pleased to have concluded a first agreement that provides solid increases for the membership," says Brendan Kooy, Ontario representative. "This contract not only provides immediate improvements but it also lays the foundation for a relationship with the contractor and long term progress in collective bargaining."
The employees work in a range of construction trades including refrigeration, plumbing, sheet metal, and geothermal.