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TIMMINS, ON, Oct. 24, 2014 /CNW/ - United Steelworkers (USW) members employed by gold miner Goldcorp in Timmins have overwhelmingly ratified a new, three-year collective agreement.



USW Local 7580 members voted by a 93-per-cent margin Thursday to ratify a tentative agreement negotiated by their bargaining committee and Goldcorp earlier this week. USW Local 7580 represents about 275 Goldcorp employees in Timmins.



The deal includes six-per-cent wage increases over the contract's three-year term, a $1,500 signing bonus and significant improvements in pensions, benefits and contract language, said Local 7580 President Mike Huard.



"These were challenging negotiations but our members stuck together and we were able to make major gains," Huard said. "It's a fair agreement that benefits all parties and provides stability for the employer, for our members, our families and our community."



"I congratulate Local 7580 members on their achievement and for demonstrating why the United Steelworkers is the mining union," said Marty Warren, the USW's Ontario Director.



"Through solidarity and good-faith bargaining with employers, Steelworkers are negotiating improved working and living standards in the mining industry in Ontario and across Canada," Warren said.







SOURCE United Steelworkers (USW)




For further information: Marty Warren, USW Ontario Director, 416-243-8792; Marc Ayotte, USW Staff Representative, 705-918-1719, mayotte@usw.ca; Bob Gallagher, USW Communications, 416-544-5966, 416-434-2221, bgallagher@usw.ca