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Unionized service staff at Northside Toyota ratify new deal

Both sides say the new four-year deal includes a significant wage increase and benefit improvements
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Northside Toyota.

Unionized service staff at Northside Toyota have voted in favour of the employer's offer, preventing a strike weeks before Christmas.

Scott Jackson, president of Industrial Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), said the deal included a significant pay increase, pension increase and improvements to benefits. It was ratified by members on Friday.

“It was a good deal for the members and I think it raised the bar a little bit for the auto dealership industry in the Sault,” said Jackson.

The 22 unionized workers were in a position to strike. The union was seeking a wage increase to help workers combat the rising cost of living due to inflation and rising interest rates.

Northside Toyota owner Mario Palumbo said the company recognized that when making its winning offer.

“We are well aware of the significant impact the economy has had on our employees and want to do the best for them , while recognizing many business challenges we continue to face in these difficult times in the auto industry," said Palumbo. "We are proud to offer our employees a significant wage and benefit improvement and announce not only did we ratify, but now our technicians are the highest in wages of any unionized shop in our city."

Palumbo said the company has also made investments in training to ensure the dealership is offering customers the highest quality of service.

“I think it’s positive news, especially before Christmas and at the end of the day, no one wants a labour disruption and neither did we and we are more than pleased we got an agreement done,” said Palumbo. “It’s good news for Sault Ste. Marie."

Jackson said the service workers at Northside Toyota only organized about three years ago. 

"They wanted to be where the other dealerships are, in terms of wages and benefits, and now they are actually probably a little bit above where the other dealerships are," said Jackson. "Kudos to the guys for sticking together and getting the job done."


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Kenneth Armstrong

About the Author: Kenneth Armstrong

Kenneth Armstrong is a news reporter and photojournalist who regularly covers municipal government, business and politics and photographs events, sports and features.
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