Northside Toyota’s service workers unions have ratified the new agreement

Union service workers at Northside Toyota have voted in favor of the employer’s offer, averting a strike weeks before Christmas.

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

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

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

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

“We are well aware of the significant impact the economy has had on our employees and we want to do the best for them, recognizing the many business challenges we continue to face in these difficult times in the automotive industry,” Palumbo said. proud to offer our employees a significant improvement in pay and benefits and not only confirmed, our technicians are now the highest paid of any union shop in our city.”

Palumbo said the company has also invested in training to ensure the dealership offers the highest quality of service to customers.

“I think it’s positive news, especially before and after Christmas, no one wants a job break and neither do we and we’re happy that we’ve reached an agreement,” said Palumbo. “This is good news for Sault Ste. Marie.”

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

“They wanted to be where the other dealerships are, in terms of pay and benefits, and now they’re probably a little above where the other dealerships are,” Jackson said. “Congratulations to the boys for sticking together and getting the job done.”