HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Goderich Signal-Star, 1981-05-06, Page 31
About 30, wives uf striking mine workers picketed
down at Domtar Monday afternoon. The union
members have been off the job since April 12. (Photo
by Cath Wooden)
T won't compromise . •
• from page 1
The strliting'workers are seeking improvements in
wages and the company has offered a two-year
contract with a 12 per cent increase in the first year
and i0:5';per cent in the second year.
Union president, Guy Robinson, told the wives the
strikers were sincere and standing firm on their
commitment to safety.
"We are here to get the best deal for all of us but
Domtar has taken a hard line on safety. It is a high
risk industry m0 we don't .l now what hazards exist
down there."
"The company won't recognize problems un-
derground but a man has to stand up and be counted.
There are more issues than money in this case and if
we can't get proper benefits we won't lay our lives on
the line. We won't compromise on safety."
Subsequent to that, Robinson submitted that once
the union had educated its workers on the
Occupational Health and Safety Act, it would be
•
protected and in a position to pressure the company
for change.
George Mitchell of . the Canadian Labor Congress
claimed there were more fiSh and game'irispectorSin
the province than safety inspectors and intimated
that workers were being used.
"The multi -nationals are using_.workers in smaller
communities. We have good legislation but we need
the people to enforce it," he said.
The union is looking for an overhaul in benefits
relating to pension, disability and death benefits. The
company has a pension plan and offers $9,500 in life
insurance. Local 16 wants a company funded pension
plan and salary plus one-half in life insurance.
On Monday the union's picket lines were bolstered
by a group of wives who picketed near the main gate
at Domtar. Also, Robinson attended the council
meeting Monday and outlined the union's position
before council members.
Evaporator workers seek new deal
Members of .the Energy
and Chemical Workers
Union Local 37 , employed at
the Domtar evaporator
plant, are seeking a new
agreement according to a
national union spokesman.
Dave Pretty, national
representative of the ECWU,
said the union's three-year
contract with the company
expired Monday, May 4 and
the two sides are expected
back at the bargaining table
May 21 and 22.
Local 37 represents. 50
employees and Pretty said
the union is seeking
provisions in occupational
health and safety, monetary
improvements to bring the
trades to a competitive level,,
concessions in hours of work,
inflation protection and
improvements in 'holidays,
vacations and fringe
benefits.
Monday marked the end of
a 'three-year .agreement and
Pretty Said the union mould
accept a newtwo-yeardeal if
all the conditions were
satisfied. He said the .
average wage at the
evaporator plant was $9.28
per hour.
The union applied for and
was granted conciliation..
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Amisommemmor
GODERICH SIGNAL -STAR, WEDNESIiAY, MAY 6,1981 --PAGE 3
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