The Metrolinx Collective Agreement 2018: What You Need to Know
The Metrolinx Collective Agreement is a legally binding document that outlines the terms and conditions of employment for unionized workers at Metrolinx, a Canadian transportation agency that oversees transit in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area. The most recent version of the agreement, the Metrolinx Collective Agreement 2018, was reached after negotiations between Metrolinx and representatives of its workforce, represented by the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1587.
The agreement covers a wide range of issues, including wages, benefits, job security, working conditions, and employee rights. Here are some of the key highlights:
Wages: The 2018 agreement provides for a wage increase of 2% per year for each of the three years of the agreement, plus an additional 0.1% increase in the third year to cover the cost of a new sick leave plan. The agreement also includes a one-time payment of $500 for each employee to compensate for a delay in reaching a new agreement.
Benefits: The agreement maintains the existing health and dental benefits for employees, with some minor changes to co-payments and coverage amounts. It also introduces a new sick leave plan that replaces the previous system of accumulated sick days with a short-term disability plan that provides income replacement for up to 130 days per year.
Job security: The agreement includes provisions to protect the jobs of existing employees in the event of layoffs or job reassignments. It also establishes a process for filling vacant positions based on seniority and qualifications.
Working conditions: The agreement addresses a number of issues related to working conditions, including scheduling, overtime, and rest periods. It also establishes an employee assistance program to provide support for mental health and personal problems.
Employee rights: The agreement includes a range of provisions to protect the rights of employees, including protection against discrimination and harassment, grievance procedures, and arbitration in the event of disputes.
Overall, the Metrolinx Collective Agreement 2018 represents a significant step forward for workers at Metrolinx, providing for improved wages, benefits, and working conditions. It also reflects a collaborative approach to negotiations that has helped to maintain a positive working relationship between management and workers. As transit continues to play an essential role in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area, the agreement will help ensure that the workers who keep the system running are treated with fairness and respect.