News
ReleaseReleased by the United Food and Commercial Workers on Canada News Wire 13 January 1999
Strike at Quality Meat Packers and Toronto Abattoirs continues
TORONTO - More than 800 members of the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW) Local 743 who work at Quality Meat Packers and Toronto Abattoirs will continue their strike after voting yesterday, with 57% voting to reject the company’s latest offer.
Bryan Neath, spokesperson for the union, says it was an extremely difficult choice for the workers. “They did have some understanding of the necessity for keeping their employer competitive,” says Neath, “but realistically it’s damn difficult to accept major wage rollbacks when you have a family to support.” Neath says the workers began the strike on 7 December 1998 in response to the company’s original offer of 20 November.
The 20 November offer, which sought concessions in every area, still stands and the workers are preparing to continue the fight. The union negotiating committee is ready to return to the bargaining table whenever the company is ready to resume discussion.
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For more information, please contact Cheryl Mumford or Mike Freeman at the UFCW National Office / phone 416.675.1104 / fax 416.675.6919