No agreement has been struck yet between Abitibi-Consolidated and two of its unions—the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1744 and International Association of Machinists Lodge 771—after a second round of contract talks Oct. 5-14.
Len Robinson, Human Resources manager and negotiator for the local mill, said Monday afternoon that a new set of talks is being scheduled.
“We’re looking at our calendars now. There’s hasn’t been any dates set yet,” he remarked. “It’s business as usual.”
While members of Locals 92 and 306 of the Communications, Energy and Papermakers Union of Canada ratified a new five-year deal with Abitibi-Consolidated back in July, almost 200 workers at the mill here still are working without one since May 1.
The first set of talks was held at the beginning of September while the round ended last Thursday.
There’s been no strike vote nor any other labour action taken at this point as negotiations still are in the early stages.
While there is a media blackout regarding the terms sought in a new agreement, Robinson said two weeks ago that the mill is seeking a five-year contact with both unions.
As previously reported, some 4,500 CEP members ratified a new five-year contract with Abitibi-Consolidated back on July 16.
That new deal called for wage increases totalling 11 percent, improved vacations, and major improvements in health benefits and pensions, including provision for retirement at age 57 with full pension over the term of the agreement.
The previous contract had expired April 30. It was reached in 1998 after a five-month strike.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
