IAM Local 1295 at Symphony Senior Living makes gains through Arbitration award

20 July 2020

Ottawa, ON – The 28 members of IAM Local 1295 are in a better position after an arbitrator ruled on items to which the union and employer could not agree.

Overall, the members gained in terms of salaries: effective July 1, 2019, a 2% special retroactive adjustment to all classifications (except Housekeeping and Laundry) will take place, followed by a 2% increase across the board to all classifications. Furthermore, as of July 1, 2020, members received a 2% increase across the board to all classifications.

Other highlights include retroactivity to all current and former employees on all hours paid, within two pay periods following the award. Overtime was also reduced to 80 hours, down from 88 hours.

Pension enhancements were also announced by the arbitrator. Effective January 1, 2021, the employer pension contribution will increase to .30¢ per hour with cap of not more than $12.00 per week for any one employee.

Some clarifications in vacation procedures as well as an improvement to the vision increased by $25 retroactive to January 1, 2020.

“We’re glad these issues have been resolved,” said Jim Snider, IAM District 78 Business Representative. “It was a long process, but the problematic items have been decided.”

Interest arbitration occurs when the employer and union cannot agree on a mandatory subject of bargaining, the parties hire an impartial third-party arbitrator.

The 28 members consist of Registered Practical Nurses, Personal Support Workers, Housekeeping staff, and cooks. The IAM represents health care workers in retirement homes in Orleans, North Bay, Stratford, Clarington and Toronto.

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For more information:
Jim Snider, Business Representative, IAM DL 78 (jsnider@iamdl78.org)