The union representing 285 workers at Imperial Metals Mount Polley Mine near Williams Lake reached a tentative five-year agreement with management late Tuesday, May 14.
In April the union voted 96.3 per cent in favour of going on strike if it didn’t reach an agreement to replace the existing contract, which expired on Dec. 31, 2012.
On May 28 and 29, the union will hold information meetings to explain the changes, said USW Local 1-425 president Bob McNair.
“Then we’ll vote shortly after those two meetings. It was about 7:30 p.m. last night when we wrapped it up with the help of the mediator,” McNair said Wednesday.
McNair said the union’s negotiating committee has accomplished what the membership asked it to do.
“I’m happy with it and I know the rest of the negotiating committee are happy with it and that’s why we’re going to recommend acceptance.
“It took 22 meetings and four months to finally get there,” McNair added.
Mount Polley general manager Tim Fisch confirmed the company has reached a tentative agreement with the union, and said the company is “pleased.”
“I’d prefer not to give any details of the agreement until after ratification, but will say we’re pleased with the results and hope it’s ratified,” Fisch said.