First agreement for Greenfield Ethanol workers

CHATHAM, ON, June 11 /CNW Telbec/ - After a lengthy legal battle the Operating Engineers at Greenfield Ethanol in Chatham, members of Local 2003 of the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union have achieved a good first collective agreement.

According to its website, Greenfield Ethanol Inc. is Canada's leading ethanol producer with current production at approximately 450 million litres and its ethanol as a fuel additive is sold through 1,300 gas stations. In addition, Greenfield produces both beverage and industrial alcohol and has approximately 5,700 customers across North America.

"This company fought us tooth and nail every step of the way but in the end we were successful and we are quite pleased with what we were able to accomplish," says Kim Ginter, CEP's Administrative Vice-President for Ontario.

The collective agreement was settled with the assistance of the Ontario Labour Relations Board after the union filed for first contract arbitration.

The employees decided to join CEP when they felt their jobs were threatened.

The union negotiated language that provides enhanced job protection.

"Employees no longer have to live in fear that the company is going to replace them. That fear can be put to rest," add Ginter.

The collective agreement, which is for a two-year term, also provides for increased wages and other improvements.

For further information: Kim Ginter, [phone], ext 260, cell: [phone]