Striking heavy equipment operators to vote on contract

OAKVILLE, ON, June 5, 2012 /CNW/ - Striking heavy equipment operators who work on projects across Essex and Kent Counties have reached a tentative contract settlement with the Heavy Construction Association of Windsor.

The operators, represented by Local 793 of the International Union of Operating Engineers, will vote on the proposal at a ratification meeting Wednesday, June 6, 2012 at the Serbian Centre, 6770 Tecumseh Road East in Windsor.

The meeting begins at 7 p.m.

Local 793 Business Manager Mike Gallagher said the union's negotiating committee is recommending the proposed contract be accepted.

"I am pleased that our union and the employers have managed to reach a tentative settlement," he said. "The contract will address all outstanding issues and I am optimistic that it will be ratified."

The operators have been on strike since May 28, 2012. They had been working without a contract since April 30, 2012.

The operators work on heavy construction equipment, including excavators, backhoes and bulldozers and do road, sewer and watermain, bridge and general excavating projects.

Local 793 of the International Union of Operating Engineers represents thousands of highly-skilled crane and heavy equipment operators across Ontario. The union has a head office, banquet hall and training campus in Oakville, and another training campus in Morrisburg.

Local 793 business manager Mike Gallagher
905-469-9299, ext. 2202