TORONTO - CAW Local 462 has set a strike deadline with Abbott Laboratories in Brockville, Ontario of Monday, June 22nd at 12:01 a.m. in opposition to company demands for concessions. The employer is attacking retiree benefits, seniority and premium pay for work on Sundays covering the 81 CAW members who work at the plant, which makes baby formula and nutritional products, said CAW Eastern Ontario director Harry Ghadban.

On June 12, the board of directors of this multinational corporation declared a quarterly dividend marking the 342nd consecutive quarterly dividend paid by Abbott since 1924. The company was also again named to the Fortune 40: Best stocks to retire on.

"It's shocking that such a successful corporation that has looked after shareholders so well would attack their employees and retirees with concessionary demands," said Ghadban. Earlier in May, Abbott workers voted 96 per cent in favour of strike action if necessary. The two sides have been in negotiations since March.