The union representing some 500 Caterpillar employees at the shuttered plant in London, Ont. says it has reached a tentative settlement agreement.
The deal between Canadian Auto Workers and Electro-Motive Canada, the locomotive factory purchased by Illinois-based Caterpillar Inc. 18 months ago, was reached after nearly two weeks of negotiations. A ratification vote is scheduled for Thursday, with details reserved until then.
“It’s bittersweet,” said Tim Carrie, president at CAW Local 27, which represents the 465 employees.
“We worked really hard, I think we made accomplishments, but nothing takes away from the feeling of the permanent loss of jobs.”
Carrie said the deal goes beyond the minimum standards as required by law, which guarantees one week of severance per year to a maximum of 26 weeks, and nothing for employees with less than five years employment.
He said about one-third of the workers at the plant have more than 20 years’ experience.
Electro-Motive announced the closure of the London plant on Feb. 3, following an employee lockout that began Jan. 1.
Original Article
Source: Star
Author: Laura Stone
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