A nine-week strike at MDA Space’s global headquarters in Brampton, Ont., has concluded following the ratification of a new collective agreement by workers, according to statements from both the union and the company.
The strike, which began on April 8, 2024, involved members of Unifor Local 112 and 673. The previous collective agreement had expired in October 2023, and the subsequent negotiations stretched over nine months. The new agreement was ratified on June 6, 2024.
“I am proud of the determination our members showed, fighting for their rights on the picket line for nine long weeks to achieve a strong collective agreement at MDA Space,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. She credited the support from Unifor members across the Greater Toronto Area and the efforts of the bargaining team for the successful negotiation.
Terms of new agreement
The terms of the new three-year agreement include several financial benefits for workers. Over the life of the agreement, workers will receive a minimum wage increase of 9% plus Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) payments, which are adjusted quarterly, up to a maximum of $0.80 per hour.
Workers will receive a minimum 7% wage increase immediately upon ratification, with the existing $0.80 per hour COLA incorporated into their wage rates. Additionally, employees will receive retroactive pay for hours worked between October 2023 and May 2024, totaling a minimum of 3.2%, including $0.34 per hour in COLA payments.
Moreover, the agreement includes a new paid holiday on the first Monday in August, two paid personal emergency days, and expanded job classifications to offer new career growth and training opportunities.
It also secures new work for the bargaining unit to operate the facility’s testing equipment and includes improved language for the Skilled Trades to provide seniority protection and wage growth for apprentices.
Unifor Local 673 President Maryellen McIlmoyle expressed her pride in the members’ perseverance. “Our members love what they do and are eager to return to work,” she said, emphasizing that the long-overdue pension contribution increase was a key element in resolving the dispute.
Wage hikes confirmed by MDA Space
MDA Space, in its press release, confirmed the ratification of the agreement and detailed the wage increases: 2.5% in the first year, 3.5% in the second year, and 3.0% in the third year.
The effective Year 1 wage increase, including retroactive dues, is 3.67%. COLA payments will be rolled into Year 1 wages and reset to $0.00 effective October 2023, with adjustments up to $0.80 per hour for the duration of the agreement.
MDA Space described itself as a pioneer in robotics, satellite systems, and geointelligence, with over 55 years of history and more than 450 missions. The company employs over 3,000 space experts in Canada, the US, and the UK.
The new collective agreement will expire on Oct. 1, 2026.