CAW members ratify deal with Toronto Terminals Railway

TORONTO, Aug. 14 /CNW/ - CAW members at Union Station have overwhelmingly ratified a new three-year agreement with Toronto Terminals Railway today. Union members voted 85 per cent in favour of the deal.

The new agreement includes wage increases of 2.4 per cent in year one, 2.6 per cent in year two and 3 per cent in year three of the agreement, benefit improvements for dental and vision care, among others, as well as stronger union representation language along with other gains. The union bargaining committee also maintained current provisions around overtime work and improved access to retirement benefits for TTR retirees.

"It was clear, from the strong strike mandate we received, that accepting the company's demands for major concessions was never an option," said CAW National Representative Bob Fitzgerald. "As a result, we've bargained a very good collective agreement that parties on both sides of the table can be proud of."

A tentative settlement was reached between the union and company on August 9, just hours short of a strike deadline.

The union represents 125 members at TTR, who perform maintenance-of-way, track protection and cleaning duties and are members of CAW Council 4000.

For further information: Bob Fitzgerald, (cell) 416-402-1787; or Angelo DiCaro, CAW Communications, (cell) 416-606-6311