CAW Members at 407 ETR Ratify New Collective Agreement

TORONTO, March 5, 2012 /CNW/ - CAW Local 414 members working at the 407 ETR call centre have ratified a new three-year collective agreement this morning, ending a nine-day strike.

Members approved the new contract by 84 per cent. The agreement includes hourly wage increases, for each job classification and in each year of the agreement. The new contract also includes improvements to workplace scheduling processes as well as dental and other benefit gains.

Deb Tveit, Assistant to the CAW National President, said that in addition to these contract gains the employer also came to terms with the underlying frustration and animosity of those in the bargaining unit, the root cause of the strike.

"We said right from the onset that this dispute was, at its core, about fairness and respect," Tveit said. "No one here ever wanted to resort to strike action, but it was a necessary step to get the company's full attention. We think this agreement sets the stage for a more constructive and respectful work environment, moving forward."

CAW Local 414 President Christine Connor acknowledged the hard work of the bargaining committee for reaching this settlement.

"This agreement is a testament to the commitment of our bargaining team and of our members," Connor said. "This strike has demonstrated that our members are prepared to stand up and speak out against unfairness in the workplace."

CAW Local 414 represents 130 members who handle customer inquiries, billing, registrations and other job duties for the express toll highway that runs from Pickering to Burlington.

The new contract is set to expire on January 31, 2015.

Kellie Scanlan, CAW Local 414 Communications [phone] or Angelo DiCaro, CAW Communications [phone]