CANADIAN LABOUR:

GOLDEN BRAND WORKERS WIN RECORD SEVERANCE PAY SETTLEMENT IN MONTREAL:

Molly has reported on the situation of the Golden Brand workers in Montreal before on this blog. In response to the threatened closure of the factory their union, Unite Here, launched a widespread solidarity campaign, including a call for internet solidarity. While the factory will still be closing the workers have at least won the largest severance settlement in the history of the Montreal clothing industry. Here is the announcement from Unite Here.

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GOLDEN BRAND FACTORY GIVES $3.5 MILLION IN SEVERANCE TO ITS 540 WORKERS:

Montreal, June 30, 2008 –

After many pressure tactics against Golden Brand, Moores stores and Men's Wearhouse, the Quebec Council of UNITE HERE union (Quebec Federation of Labour) and its members achieved a huge victory last Friday. The parties chose not to wait for an arbitrator's pending decision and concluded an agreement which amounted to $3.5 million in severance pay to the workers. "We are completely satisfied with this settlement. This is a historic settlement, especially for workers in the clothing industry," said Lina Aristeo, director of the Quebec Council and vice-president of the QFL.

The announcement was made by Ms. Aristeo during a special assembly at the factory last Friday and was welcomed by the workers. "Rather than sitting back and letting Golden Brand close without a fight, we stood up and made our voices heard. The result was the largest severance victory for workers in the history of the Montreal clothing industry," said the president of the Golden Brand local, José Duarte.

This agreement takes place following a second day of proceedings before an arbitrator who heard a grievance filed by the union against Golden Brand. The grievance called for an injunction to delay the closure of Golden Brand factory and sought damages as a penalty for the company's alleged violation of the collective agreement.

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Source : Conseil du Québec – UNITE HERE (QFL)

For info : Thao Dao (514) 844-8644 ext. 242 Cell : (514) 887-3463

Thao T. Dao

Directrice des communications

Communications Director

Conseil du Québec - UNITE HERE