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Unifor Local 1859 members at THK Rhythm have voted to ratify a new collective agreement that includes general wage increases, a special inflation wage adjustment, new cost-of-living-adjustments (COLA), the reduction of wage progressions and the elimination of health and welfare benefit tiers.
Unifor represents approximately 233 members at the auto parts manufacturer, located in Tillsonburg, Ontario.
“Auto workers continue to achieve strong collective agreements in a sector that is rapidly changing,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “With high costs-of-living and interest rates the way they are now, workers are more united than ever in their efforts to secure decent work and pay.”
The special inflation wage adjustment will help workers offset the recent spike in cost-of-living while the new COLA, which begins in year two of the agreement, will be added on top of yearly wage increases to preserve and enhance workers’ buying power.
“This is a forward-looking contract that our members can be proud of,” said Dave McDowell, President of Local 1859. “Workers have endured tough times in recent years and we’re proud to be part of a union fighting hard for a successful auto industry in Canada that supports good jobs.”
In addition to economic gains a key feature of this early bargaining settlement was THK’s commitment to place new work in the Tillsonburg plant. An important provision of the agreement ensures that any business transferred during the life of the contract will be offset with replacement business.
The three-year contract expires in April 2027.
