CAA SCO and unions reach tentative deal - strike avoided

THORNHILL, ON, Sept. 26 /CNW/ - A strike has been averted after marathon bargaining sessions this weekend.

CAA South Central Ontario, and two of its unions, USW Local 8300 and CAW Local 414 have reached a two year tentative agreement. The deal, unanimously recommended by the Union bargaining committees must still be presented to their respective union members for ratification.

This agreement means there will be no labour disruption to services at CAA travel retail stores.

"Both sides have worked long and hard to get through the issues and hammer out a fair deal," said Jay Woo, COO, CAA SCO.

"Members can be assured that CAA SCO has made every effort to ensure it is business as usual on Monday morning," added Woo.

The travel industry has faced tough times in recent years due to changes in consumer spending habits and the recession. This deal allows CAA SCO's Travel and Retail business to secure its long-term viability and provide fair compensation to our employees.

The two unions represent 128 travel agents, member service consultants and insurance agents at 14 CAA travel retail stores in the GTA, Barrie, Orillia, Oshawa, Sault Ste Marie, Simcoe and St. Thomas.

CAA South Central Ontario is a not-for-profit auto club offering insurance, travel, automotive care and roadside services. There are more than 1.8 million CAA members in South Central Ontario and 5 million members in Canada.

For further information: Media contact: Silvana Aceto, Media and PR Specialist, CAA SCO, 60 Commerce Valley Drive East, Thornhill, ON, L3T 7P9, [email protected], Office: [phone], Cell: [phone] or Jeff LeMoine, Internal External PR Specialist, [email protected], Office: [phone], Cell: [phone]