Bell TV workers vote to accept collective agreement

TORONTO, Oct. 26, 2012 /CNW/ - Bell TV workers have voted to accept a collective agreement reached earlier this week between the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union and their employer.

"We are pleased to have finally settled on a first collective agreement for these members," said CEP Ontario Region Vice-President Kim Ginter.  "These members are to be congratulated for their solidarity and determination," he said.

Voting by the 112 members of CEP Local 79M took place yesterday afternoon. They had been locked out since July 11, 2012, and in negotiations since April 2011.

Bell TV, formerly Bell ExpressVu, is one of Canada's largest satellite and fibre-optic TV services. The workers on strike are responsible for the transmission of broadcast signals and the company's video on demand service. 

CEP is the largest union in several key sectors of the Canadian economy, including forestry, energy, telecommunications and media. Over the coming months, CEP is working toward the creation of a new Union with the CAW. Their combined memberships will be more than 300,000.

SOURCE: COMMUNICATIONS, ENERGY AND PAPERWORKERS UNION OF CANADA

Kim Ginter, [phone], Mike Kachurowski, [phone], CEP National Representative.