The 800 workers will begin returning to their jobs on Monday.
Article content
A strike that has lasted almost four weeks at ArcelorMittal factories in Longueuil and Contrecoeur ended Sunday as its 800 unionized workers ratified a new six-year collective agreement.
Article content
Workers with the FTQ-affiliated Syndicat des Métallos negotiated an end to a two-tier pension system, salary increases of 26 per cent over six years and substantial increases in pension benefits.
New workers will automatically be enrolled in the defined benefit pension plan instead of having to choose between a defined-benefit and defined-contribution plan, the union said.
“It’s the end of the orphans once and for all,” its statement read, noting that few workers chose the defined contribution plan “but the mere existence of two plans posed a threat.”
The ratification vote ends the strike that began Feb. 2. Workers will begin returning to their jobs on Monday.
“This contract lives up to the expectations, and especially the determination of our members,” the union’s statement read. “It’s a great victory of solidarity.”