Employees of the Crown Metal Packaging factory in Toronto have ratified a new collective agreement, ending a 22-month strike.

Members of United Steelworkers (USW) Local 9176 voted today to accept a six-year collective agreement with Crown. The return to work process will begin Aug. 10.

A tentative agreement was negotiated July 8 after the company withdrew one of the major impediments to a settlement – its attempt to bar many striking workers from returning to their jobs. The company had recruited replacement workers to operate the Toronto factory during the labour dispute.

The new collective agreement guarantees the rights of all striking employees to return to their jobs. It also includes enhanced retirement and severance provisions for employees who decide not to return to the plant.

"These men and women can return to work with their heads held high. They are going back shoulder-to-shoulder, with their union and their principles intact," said Marty Warren, USW Ontario Director.

"These workers fought for nearly two years against a foreign multinational's attempt to eliminate their union and their unionized jobs. They received tremendous support from their community and from many allies. But they were deserted by the Ontario government, which once again sat idle as a giant corporation provoked a labour dispute, then brought in replacement workers to try to destroy decent jobs in our province," Warren said.

"We wish to thank the Toronto and York Region Labour Council, the Canadian Labour Congress and the many other unions, community groups and residents who provided tremendous financial and moral support to these working families over the last 22 months," he said.

 

ca.finance.yahoo.com

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