Striking women occupy First Ontario credit union

Striking First Ontario Credit Union workers have no regrets after they occupied the company's east Mountain branch and padlocked the doors to try to get the financial institution back to the bargaining table.

Hamilton police smashed the glass on a door to gain entry to the Queensdale and Upper Sherman Avenue branch to end the occupation an hour after it began at 3 p.m. yesterday.

About 70 members of Local 343 of the Canadian Office and Professional Employees Union (COPE) have been on strike for six months over such issues as sick pay, benefits and language protecting full-time positions. Negotiators from the two sides met Tuesday but there was no resolution.

"It was worthwhile because we've raised public awareness," said Barb Rowell, chief steward for the negotiating committee, shortly after she and a dozen other protesters left the premises at about 5 p.m. after being spoken to by police.

"We've made our members realize we are very serious about this. We will not leave any stone unturned to end this labour dispute successfully."

LINK: Hamilton Spectator
LINK: COPE