CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwire - Dec. 23, 2011) - There will not be a Christmas strike at British Airways. Members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers ratified a new three-year agreement. The members, employed as ticket agents in Vancouver and Calgary were in a legal strike position December 19.

"Monetary issues and mandatory overtime after the end of their shift were the big issues," explained IAMAW District Lodge 140 General Chairperson Todd Haverstock. "We were able to correct the mandatory overtime situation. The employer now agrees members cannot be forced to work overtime unless it is an emergency such as a cancelled flight or an act of God."

The agreement provides for wage increases of 2 per cent in each year. Other agreement highlights include:

• Shift differential now being paid to part time workers
• Increased benefits
• Increase time off
• Improved shift language

The IAMAW is the largest union in the Canadian air transport sector.