Sysco workers ratify new collective agreement, ending lock-out

PETERBOROUGH - Workers at Sysco have left the picket line and ratified a new collective agreement. The deal was reached this afternoon by CAW Local 414 and the company.

"We had such a great show of support which really contributed to our strength in negotiating this agreement that addresses our members' core workplace concerns," said Christine Connor, president of CAW Local 414. Connors said this morning a school bus full of children held a message of encouragement to the window as the bus passed the picket line.

Workers had been locked out of Sysco's Peterborough warehouse since Friday afternoon when the company kicked out the workers and brought in scabs. The CAW had indicated it would not return to the bargaining table until the scab workers were removed from the facility.

"Having the scabs ushered out the warehouse was a testament to the strength and solidarity of the Sysco workers and the many CAW members and community allies that came out to the picket line," said Bob Orr, assistant to CAW secretary-treasurer.

The new agreement includes a $1.80 wage improvement over the three-year term, as well as improvements to the RRSP plan, benefits, a new paid holiday (Family Day) and a drastically improved seniority system.

"One of the most crucial issues was the seniority system -under this new agreement workers will be able to determine the days and routes they work, for the drivers and the hours and jobs they work for those in the warehouse," said Jerry Dias, assistant to CAW president.