Strike Averted In Ear Falls

Weeks after strike talk, a new contract has suddenly been reached between unionized municipal employees in Ear Falls and the municipality.
Unifor members have voted 67% in favour of a 2-year contract following dramatic progress made in conciliated talks.
Despite the municipality giving up about a dozen of concessions, Mayor Kevin Kahoot is happy with the deal.
He says it’s a value to their employees and Council can live with it cost wise.
Kahoot says he hopes the workers recognize their value to the community, staff and council.
Kahoot notes he was always confident both sides could reach an agreement but it was unfortunate it took so much time.
Unifor local national representative Stephen Boon says they originally had little hope of reaching a contract without taking strike action.
Boon says it’s a fair deal and notes members are looking forward to getting back at the bargaining table in a couple of years.
Boon notes the community should be in a better financial situation with the restart of the Ear Falls Mill.
The contract includes a 2% annual wage increase and both language and monetary improvements.