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Seventy women credit union workers in Hamilton, Ontario have been on strike for the past four months. Though it was started by union workers for union workers, FirstOntario Credit Union is now asking its employees to give back sick days, and accept a decrease in both retirement benefits and job security. Credit union managers are calling for these concessions despite recently reporting record profits.

The striking workers, members of Canadian Office and Professional Employees (COPE) Local 343, are out on the picket line protesting the cutbacks and demanding that FirstOntario management respect their right to a fair bargaining process.

Besides refusing to negotiate the terms of proposed concessions, managers have canceled the credit union’s annual general meeting, thus ensuring that the strikers’ concerns will continue to be ignored.

The Hamilton strikers remain resolute in their struggle to resist concessions, but they need your help. To support the strikers, call or email FirstOntario CEO and President

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(905/387-0774 ext 231). Demand that management return to the bargaining table in good faith and affirm the right of credit union employees to a decent contract.

To send a letter of support, go to www.labourstart.org and click on the appropriate link under the “Act Now!” heading on the left side of the page.

Expiration Date:
Sat, 03/31/2007 - 11:59pm