Ontario Northland and CAW ratify deal

Ontario Northland
News Release

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Ontario Northland and the Canadian Auto Workers Union Local 103 (CAW Local 103) announced today the ratification of five (5) new collective agreements by CAW Local 103 members, with 87.5% of members voting in favour of accepting the new contracts.

"We are very pleased that all five agreements have been ratified," said Brian Kelly, President of CAW Local 103. "We would like to thank our membership for their strong show of support for our union and bargaining
committee."

The three-year agreements provide for wage increases of 3% each year for three years, retroactive to January 1, 2008, as well as an improvement to benefits and work rules.

"We are extremely pleased to have reached these new agreements, which benefit our employees while at the same time, allowing us to remain competitive as we work to meet the transportation and telecommunication needs of Northeastern Ontario," said Steve Carmichael, President and CEO of Ontario Northland.

The five (5) collective agreements cover 420 CAW unionized employees working in the areas of clerical, stores, rail and bus maintenance, on-board and hotel service, customer service, crew management centres, at various locations in Northeastern Ontario and Northwestern Quebec.

A tentative agreement was reached on April 23, 2008 and ratification votes took place on April 27, 28 and 29, 2008.

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