Both the Canadian Autoworkers Union Local 2301 and Rio Tinto Alcan are confident a tentative deal will be reached while a new contract is being negotiated for workers there.
Representatives from the Canadian Autoworkers Union Local 2301 and Rio Tinto Alcan worked into the night yesterday trying to reach a deal before the clock stuck midnight and the workers' contract expired along with the countdown for a 72 hour union strike notice.
But talks didn't stop, nor are they done yet. Both RTA and the union are still working to nail down a contract, and both are confident a tentative deal will be reached in the meantime. CAW members are being asked to report to work as usual.
"The Bargaining Committee has been meeting since 7 a.m., July 23. As of 10:30 a.m. today, July 24, we are optimistic that a tentative agreement will be reached," said a CAW Local 2301 press release this morning. "CAW members are asked to report to work as they normally would and to be patient while we try to work out the details of the new agreement," said a CAW Local 2301 press release this morning."
"We are still negotiating at this time," said RTA spokesperson Colleen Nyce this morning."We are hopeful for a resolution today."
Nyce added there is no way to tell what time talks will be finished.
Last Friday, union members voted 96 per cent in favour of a strike prior to handing in 72 hour notice.
RTA issued a lockout notice the same day.
Also, two Labour Relations Board Orders were issued last week.
The first order was issued after RTA filed an essential services application in order to manage reservoir water levels to avoid flooding.
The next order was issued after Bechtel and the KMP Employers Association and the Back-up Tunnel Association filed an application to ensure their work was not disrupted in case of a strike.