NEGOTIATIONS
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Cancoil strike ends – Workers receive better wages and benefits
On June 16, 2004, members at Cancoil Thermal Corporation in Kingston, who produce coils for residential and commercial air conditioning units, ended a two-month strike and voted “yes” to a new three-year collective agreement. The contract contains numerous improvements and addresses most of the issues that forced the strike. The workers had been on strike, from April 16, 2004, to gain more appropriate monetary compensation and benefits for their hard work as well as enhanced contract language to improve the work environment. Members win wage increases totalling $1 per hour over the three years. Pension contributions, which the company refused to discuss previously, increase immediately to provide an enhanced retirement benefit. Workers also profit from improved dental coverage resulting
from increased employer contributions. Significant language improvements include new clauses regarding labour-management meetings, job classifications and seniority. The Union and company agree to meet and review all job descriptions. In the early weeks of the strike, the company attempted to limit legal picketing at the Cancoil property. A Frontenac County judge dismissed the injunction and ordered Cancoil to pay $1,500 in costs to the Union. A second attempt at an injunction also resulted in a dismissal and the company had to pay $5,000 more to the Union. Union Negotiating Committee: Tony Noakes, Ralph McCargar and Eastern Regional Director Dan Lacroix.