Municipal workers in the Southeastern Ontario city of Kingston have ended a 40-day strike and are back at work.
The 460 striking members of CUPE 109 inside, outside and transit workers went on strike September 17, after the City tabled some 50 concessions in bargaining.
After waging a tough, sometimes acrimonious battle, the City workers ratified a new three-year deal which includes wage increases of 2.75 per cent (retroactive to January, 1999), 2 per cent and 2 per cent, along with a $700 signing bonus.
As well, they won on the important issue of harmonized wage rates and benefits, resulting from a recent municipal amalgamation.
CUPE 109 won strong public support in their battle with the City, after the public learned of the demands for concessions to hours of work, seniority and more.