Lear Ajax members set new standards in the parts supply industry in new agreement
More than 300 Unifor members in the independent parts supplier sector at Lear Ajax voted in favour of a new collective agreement on March 13, 2022.
“Congratulations to all Lear Ajax members and to the bargaining committee for ratifying a strong agreement that delivers on our key bargaining priorities,” said Jason Wilson, Unifor Local 222 President. “This is a solid agreement that makes comprehensive improvements to members’ wages and pensions, as well as introduces a new Racial Justice Advocate position to the plant.”
The newly ratified contract increases all union members’ wages and shortens the wage grid of 9 years to 8 years. Starting wages were increased by more than $3 per hour, and retirement incentive packages of $75,000 were also negotiated.
Skilled trades members’ top wage will increase from $36.50 to $40.25 over the life of the agreement.
The union also proactively strengthened plant closure language that caps compensation at 3.5 weeks per year of service to 32 years, up from the previous 25-year cap.
“Lear Ajax workers are an essential part of our parts supply chain as well as our local and regional economies,” said Troy Goodrich, Unifor Local 222 Lear Ajax Chairperson. “With this agreement, Lear Ajax members have set a new standard for the industry as the highest paid unit in the seating business during this agreement.”
The agreement will also introduce new shift premium language that plant workers did not have previously. Improvements to the pension plan will see 6% matching by the second year of the agreement. As well, the bargaining committee secured new improvements to members’ leave of absence language.
The term of the new four-year agreement expires April, 2026.