There will be no work stoppage at Alexandria Moulding.
Recently unionized workers at the large North Glengarry employer voted 70 per cent in favour of a settlement to renew the collective agreement.
Negotiations between the company and the union had been ongoing for more than six months, and failure to accept the settlement would have resulted in a company lockout of all unionized workers. Workers are members of the Christian Labour Association of Canada (CLAC).
The settlement includes wage increases of approximately five per cent over three years, including specific classification adjustments and premium increases. There is also increased vacation flexibility, RRSP contribution raises, and the introduction of a labour-management committee.
“We are pleased that the settlement was accepted by such a healthy majority of members,” said Brendan Kooy, CLAC regional director for eastern Ontario.
But there is still some sore feelings.
“We are disappointed that the company came to the table unwilling to negotiate on certain key proposals and almost forced our membership into a work stoppage, and we were prepared to support our members in whatever way they voted,” said Kooy. “Our concerns about the combination of certain classifications and our disappointment in the partial reduction in dental and prescription drug benefits remain, but we are prepared to move forward at this point.”
There are approximately 250 unionized workers at Alexandria Moulding.
