Zehrs Strathroy Mediation Extended

E-News from UFCW Local 1977

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December 2, 2004

After two full days of mediation on the UFCW Local 1977 Unfair Labour Practices complaint against Zehrs the union and the company agreed to meet again on Friday, December 17, the next available date for the Mediator. The parties met at the offices of the Ontario Labour Relations Board in Toronto on November 30 and December 2.

OLRB Chair Kevin Whitaker, who is also acting as Mediator, has imposed a news blackout on the mediation proceedings until they are concluded.
Should mediation not result in a settlement, formal Board proceedings on Local 1977's complaint will begin on December 20.

"I know how difficult the waiting is for those who will be affected by
the outcome of these talks at the labour board," said Local 1977
President Brian Williamson. "The anxiety in the Strathroy store is
understandably very high, as well as in those stores that could be
affected by bumps resulting from a Strathroy closing.

"We are making every possible effort to reach a mediated settlement
that respects our Zehrs members' collective bargaining agreement
rights. We are prepared to talk around the clock if there is any chance
whatsoever of achieving this goal."