First CAW Contract for Pilots at Cargojet Airways

TORONTO, July 15, 2013 /CNW/ - Pilots at Cargojet Airways Ltd. have overwhelmingly ratified a first collective agreement between CAW and Cargojet.

Cargojet Airways Ltd operates a fleet of Boeing 727, 757 and 767 freighters across Canada and around the world and employs over 70 airline pilots who are members of CAW Local 7378.

The new deal includes wage increases and key improvements to pilot scheduling, increases in pension, sick days and numerous other improvements.

"The new agreement makes a number of improvements and will meet our membership concerns," said Captain Colin Brazier, bargaining committee chairperson. "It is anticipated that these new conditions will reduce the potential of fatigue by a considerable degree.  The solidarity of the members and the bargaining committee's hard work helped ensure a strong agreement for our pilot group while allowing Cargojet to remain competitive and prosperous over the long term."

The new agreement also includes a number of new jobs being created. The pilots negotiated wage increases which increased the top of the Captain scale by 6 per cent and up to 1.5 per cent per year over the term of the contract, retroactive to January 1, 2013. Other gains include improvements to the scheduling system and an increase in annual vacation.

Pilots voted on the new agreement after meetings held on July 9, 10, 11 and 12.

CAW Local 7378 represents the over 70 professional pilots at Cargojet. The CAW represents 11,600 members in the air transportation sector including pilots of Morningstar Air Express, Sunwing Airlines and Cargojet Airways Ltd.

SOURCE: Canadian Auto Workers Union (CAW)