CAA Workers Headed for Monday Strike

TORONTO, Sept. 26 /CNW/ - Employer demands for more concessions have set the stage for a strike Monday morning by 130 workers at several CAA offices in southern Ontario.

Negotiations broke off today between CAA South Central Ontario and its unionized travel professionals, member service counselors and licensed insurance agents at outlets in the GTA and other cities including Simcoe, St. Thomas, Barrie, Orillia, Oshawa and Sault Ste. Marie.

A total of 118 of the employees are represented by the United Steelworkers (USW) while another 11 workers are represented by the Canadian Auto Workers. The two unions have bargained jointly in their contract talks with CAA South Central Ontario.

"After enduring concessions in the past, our members are steadfast in their determination to achieve modest gains," said Stuart Deans, the USW's Toronto area coordinator.

The parties were close to an agreement, with the workers proposing a status-quo contract aside from modest, two-per-cent annual wage increases.

The CAA not only rejected the proposal, "they reverted back to their original proposals for major concessions in wages, commission structure and benefits," Deans said.

"A strike will be a huge disruption for members of the public who want to use the tremendous CAA services provided by our members," Deans said.

"However, we are willing to return to the bargaining table if the company sees its way clear to providing a fair deal to its employees."

For further information: Stuart Deans, USW, 647-226-8792