Groundbreaking contract for workers at Sky Cafe YYZ, YOW

14 June, 2021

Ottawa, ON – On Friday, 11 June, 2021, members from IAM Local Lodge 2413 ratified a new collective agreement at Sky Café’s operations at the Toronto and Ottawa airports.

“Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, this was basically a virtual campaign, from start to finish,” said Michael Corrado, IAM District 140 General Chairperson.

This new agreement means that IAM Local 2413 now represents all Sky Café’s warehouse agents (CA1’s), transport agents (CA2’s), and lead agents (CA3’s) at both the Toronto and Ottawa airports. Prior to furloughs, Sky Café employed approximately 85 workers at its Toronto operation and another 10 at its Ottawa operation.

In January 2021, the IAM began bargaining. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, all negotiating meetings were held virtually or using online tools. The parties agreed to a 3-year collective agreement which the members ratified by a very strong 90%.

“I was very fortunate to have shared this unique experience with a fantastic bargaining committee. Shane Ward, Amrit Hothi, and Camille Chanice Dwyer, we accomplished some very meaningful things during some very difficult times,” Corrado added.

Highlights include:

• Ottawa CA1 CA2 and CA3 workers in warehouse, transport and lead hands received immediate 6% ,7.1% & 5% wage uplifts, with additional increases in January 2022 and January 2023.
• Toronto CA1, CA2 & CA3 workers receive wage increases for January 2022 and January 2023.
• Along with new premiums, members will now be able to receive extra pay for forklift certifications, and for cleaning duties as well as being paid for time members spend obtaining or renewing their security clearances and airport drivers’ licenses.
• Improved Bereavement Leave which includes an additional day’s pay.
• 3 permanent paid sick days were added that can be carried over to the following year.
• 10 paid isolation days if the employer instructs any members to self-isolate.
• Employer will maintain IAM members Health and Dental benefits for up to 6 months when on layoff because of a pandemic, epidemic, or public health outbreak, at NO COST to the member.
• Members will be able to refuse recall at least once during a pandemic, epidemic, or public health outbreak.

“The IAM further bargained to have fewer deductions from our members pay which equates to more take-home pay!” added Corrado. “Aside from the 10 paid isolation days, IAM Members will now pay less for their group insurance benefits and the cost of parking has been cut in half. We were even able to get the employer to pay our members union dues while they are working ‘casual hours’ during this pandemic. Finally, there is now an ‘no outsourcing’ clause.” Corrado said.

#DontBegBargain • #GetUnionizedStayUnionized

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For more information:
Mike Corrado, IAM District 140 General Chairperson
mcorrado@iam140.ca