HMS Host workers at Toronto Pearson International Airport achieved improvements to wages, benefits, working conditions and much more in their new three-year collective agreeement.
Ratified on October 15, 2014, the agreement runs from December 12, 2013 to December 12, 2016.Those working in positions, where they do not receive tips, will see their wages increase by $1.30 over the term of the agreement. Those in positions, where they receive tips, will see $1 increase over the term of their agreement.
In addition, full-time workers with more than 6 months of service will receive a $600 lump sum. Full-time workers with less than 6 months of service will receive a $300 lump sum. Part-time workers with more than 6 months of service will receive a $300 lump sum and part-time workers with less than 6 months of service will receive $150 lump sum.
In addition, the union’s bargaining committee helped ensure that the vision care benefit increased to $250 from $200, the bereavement leave allowance increased to five days, up from three previously and that the 70 per cent discount on meals for members now extends to all HMS Host locations at the airport.
Negotiators also fought hard to ensure that the members’ 12 sick days were maintained. Negotiations were led by Local 1000A Director (Central Region) Don Taylor with support from Local 1000A staff representative Ric Pereira. Committee members also include HMS Host members, Michelle Pow, Audrey Goulart, Ayesha Khan, Carmen Daus, Victor Bettencourt and Jirina Hingar.
“This is a fair and reasonable deal with gains for everyone within the bargaining unit,” Taylor said. "Our bargaining committee showed tremendous determination in fighting hard to represent the concerns and interests of our membership. The incredible work of our bargaining committee, combined with the strong support from our membership, were essential to achieving this deal.”
Pow, who has worked at the airport for 11 years, said the unity of the membership was key to achieving a fair collective agreement.
"We got an awesome deal," Pow said. "Compared to a lot of other people in the industry, I think our contract is one of the best."
Khan, who has worked at the airport for more than 25 years, said it was a reasonable deal as workers received wage increases and maintained their benefits.
"Everybody got something," Khan said.
Bettencourt, who has worked at the airport for more than 30 years, said he was happy that the members were happy with the agreement.
"It was a great deal considering the changes taking place at the airport and what the company was offering," Bettencourt said.
Goulart, who has worked at the airport for more than 10 years, said negotiations took longer than she liked but it was a fair agreement.
"It's a give and take process and we are going up the ladder in terms of wage increases and benefits."
Hingar, who has been at the Airport for 26 years, said it was a good deal.
"It was definitely one of the better contracts we have negotiated."
HMS Host is home to 550 Local 1000A members.
