More workers from Berk’s Intertruck join IAM Local 1857 in BC

11 September, 2020
For immediate release

Nanaimo, B.C. – IAM Local has 13 new members from Berk’s Intertruck in Port Alberni.  The local currently represents the main group under a Collective Bargaining Agreement in Nanaimo, so they will already have a contract.

The British Columbia Labour Relations Board contacted IAM District 250 because the employer preferred to add the Port Alberni group to their existing contract in Nanaimo, rather than negotiating a new contract. “Although the request was unusual, we went ahead and planned for the vote,” said Al Cyr, Organiser and Business Representative for DL250.

DL250 made an application to include the 13 employees from Port Alberni. The vote was held electronically, which removed all fears and intimidation by not having to face the employer leading up to the vote. The traditional method of voting would have meant they vote in person. “We were successful with a 10 to 3 vote for the IAM,” said Cyr. “The new members now enjoy the benefits and wages of the current Agreement as the Port Alberni location has been added to the existing certification.”

District 250 Northwest District 250 o f the IAM, formed in 1988, consists of members belonging to seven Local Lodges, several of which have been representing workers since the beginning of the 1900’s. We represent over 4,000 working men and women in over 125 Companies.

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For more information:
Aly Cyr, Organiser and Business Representative, IAM DL 250
acyr@iam250.org