The 746 members of Local 1953 of the Motor Coach Industries (MCi), part of the IAM Union in Canada, have ratified a new collective agreement that delivers significant improvements in wages, benefits, and working conditions. This agreement marks an important step forward for members, strengthening financial security, improving workplace flexibility, and modernizing key provisions across the contract.
A key highlight of the agreement is an average wage increase of 20% over four years, along with enhanced shift premiums. Forklift operators will receive an additional $0.30 per hour, evening shift premiums will increase by $0.75, and night shift premiums will increase by $1.00. Members will also benefit from retroactive pay back to February 1, 2025, ensuring they receive full value from the negotiated increases.
Improvements have also been secured in benefits and allowances. Group benefits coverage, including vision, dental, and extended health, has been increased. In addition, members will see higher safety boot allowances and increased supper money, helping offset everyday work-related expenses.
Pension provisions have been strengthened for members hired on or after March 22, 2002, with the Company now contributing 4% of earnings toward pension benefits, further reinforcing long-term retirement security.
The agreement also introduces meaningful gains in work-life balance. Members can now bank up to 24 hours of overtime annually, which can be used after vacation entitlement is exhausted. Bereavement leave has been increased to five days for immediate family, and a scheduled summer shutdown has been established for the week of July 1 and the following week to support vacation planning.
Workplace protections and flexibility have also been modernized. The agreement includes enhanced contractual language, gender-neutral wording throughout, and improved mobility with up to 60 departmental transfers permitted annually, allocated based on department size. The bridging supplement has also been increased to $35 effective upon ratification.
Overall, this ratified agreement delivers meaningful gains in compensation, benefits, and workplace flexibility, while modernizing key provisions and strengthening long-term protections for the 746 IAM Local 1953 members at MCi.