ARA Divisions

Collision Repair

James Milacic,
Collision Repair Division consultant

Office: 604-432-7987
Fax: 604-432-1756

Collision Repair Division Chairman: Martin von Holst, Fix Auto
Vice Chairman: Martin von Holst, Fix Auto
Executive committee:
Michelle Rolls, Queensway Auto body
Ralph Liedtke, Prospect Park
Wade Bartok, Elite Auto body
Chris Barker, CB Autotech
Mike Srigley, Sunshine Auto Body
Gary Walker, No.1 Collision
Kevin Machell-Cox, Craftsman Collision
Bobby Milacic, Marks Auto Body
Paul Tseng, Auto Mind
Blair Qualey, New Car Dealers Association
Troy Vandenbilche, Vandenbilt Autobody
Doug Clare, Superior Collision Repairs
Rod Maclean ,Dueck GM

Collision Repair Division Info

The ARA Collision Repair Division represents the interests of auto body shop businesses in B.C. and serves as the industry's negotiating committee with ICBC. It is this committee that participated in the crafting of the Collision Repair Industry Agreement (CRIA). Beginning in November 2007, the CRIA committee began negotiating a new agreement to replace the then-current one, which subsequently expired in March 2008. In September 2008 an agreement was finally reached, and CRIA III is the result. There were numerous hours of volunteer time our members dedicated in order to get CRIA III to where it is today. During the process, much groundwork for the next set of negotiations was laid.

There are several issues of concern to auto body repairers in Canada these days. One is the new Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) reduction regulations from Environment Canada that are to take effect on January 1, 2010. To be in compliance most shops will have to switch to waterborne paint, which will require the purchase and installation of new equipment as well as having staff trained on their use.

Attracting new recruits into the industry is another challenge faced by body shops. High competiton from the construction industry, coupled with an aging workforce in collision repair has created a huge need for skilled labourers in our industry. The CRD is involved with programs designed to entice more young people into the industry, as well as programs to help shops keep existing employees. However, with employee pay rates tied to charge-out rates, and charge-out rates dependent on what the insurance industry will pay, it is important for collision repair businesses to stick together through their association so that together they can match the bargaining power of insurance providers.

For more information, contact our Collision Repair Division consultant, James Milacic. His contact information is shown above.