CAW miners ratify agreement

TORONTO, Dec. 22, 2012 /CNW/ - After 4 ½ months of negotiations, the 470 members of Canadian Auto Workers Local 3018 ratified a new collective agreement December 21, 2012.

Local 3018 of the CAW represents the mine workers at Gibraltar Mines in Williams Lake, BC a subsidiary of Teseko Mines. The vote was 88% in favour of acceptance.

Wage and benefit improvements average more than 14% over the 4 year term retroactive to the the expiry of the collective agreement June 1, 2012. Many other improvements include a fairer process for training and the selection of apprentices, an increase in premiums and comprehensive anti-harassment language. There were no concessions.

Arnold Fontaine Chairperson of Local 3018 Negotiating Committee comments, "This was our first negotiations with the CAW and we were pleased with the outcome. There is no doubt that we bargained everything we could short of a strike. Although the membership was more than prepared to strike over the holidays, most were relieved this wasn't necessary".

SOURCE: Canadian Auto Workers Union (CAW)

In the event, you require further information please don't hesitate to call National Representative, Bruce Snow at 1-800-665-3553 or 604-516-8010. His email address is [email protected]