Falco, union settle labour dispute

Peace has come to Ontario’s Sudbury nickel camp now that an agreement has been reached between Falconbridge and its unionized workforce to settle a strike that began Aug, 1, 2000.

The agreement was reached Feb. 20, when the bargaining team of Local 598 of the Canadian Auto Workers (Mine/Mill) unanimously recommended ratification of the offer. Now that the agreement has been ratified, normal operations should resume within 30 days.

Highlights of the agreement include:

– a $3,000 monthy pension after 30 years of service, up from $2,700;

– an immediate 50-per-hour increase to employee wages, plus a 10-per-hour cost-of-living allowance (further cost-of-living allowances will continue quarterly);

– settlement pay of $2,000;

– the nickel bonus is maintained (1 per hour for every cent the nickel price is over $2.15);

– participation in the employee share savings plan, whereby Falco will contribute 30 for every $1 contributed by employees; and

– an increase in the vacation bonus to $325, up from $275.

The union members will also receive an increase in the sickness and accident benefit, as well as improvements to health, dental and long-term disability plans.

Falco’s Sudbury operation employs 1,600 people and consists of four underground mines, and a mill-and-smelter complex. The operation is capable of producing 130,000 tonnes of nickel-copper matte annually.