Canadian Auto Workers says TRW workers have approved a first contract

The Canadian Auto Workers union said Monday that workers at auto parts company TRW have voted 83.8 per cent in favour of a first collective agreement.

The union said the deal improves wages and benefits, eliminates two-tier pay structures for production workers and places restrictions on the use of temporary agency work.

The new three-year deal includes a 90-cent per-hour wage increase in the first year of the deal, with increases of one per cent in both two and three of the contract.

Skilled trades will receive an additional 75-cent hourly wage bump-up over the life of the agreement.

The union said it also negotiated improvements to pensions, bereavement leave, access to flexible shift scheduling, new provisions for safety shoes and layoff and recall rights.

TRW workers voted to join the CAW in October 2012.

The company manufactures steering columns, brake systems and other parts for Ford, General Motors and Chrysler.