About 74 percent of the members who cast ballots voted yes to the closure agreement that includes a severance package of $17.5 million. Members had previously turned down a package of $16 million.
An additional $1.5 million has been negotiated to bring the total severance package to $17.5 million. The Kennedy Heights bargaining committee has also met to adjust the distribution of the severance pay, based on the new amount.Other than a changed amount and settlement date, all other aspects of the closure agreement remain the same, including the arrangement that the money will be put into a trust account to ensure it is available when the plant closes on January 31, 2015.Following discussions with bargaining reps from the different departments, chapel meetings will be held at Kennedy Heights Wednesday and Thursday to fully discuss all aspects of the agreement. Each member will also receive a calculation of what their estimated severance will be. The union is also making arrangements to have voting take place at the plant, from Thursday through Saturday. Details and times will be posted later this week.
Unionized workers at The Globe and Mail voted Thursday to approve a new contract.
About 84 per cent of those voting backed the deal.
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