The strike at Dajcor Aluminum in Chatham is over.
Unifor Local 127 President Jeff McFadden told CK News Today that workers ratified the new four-year deal by a vote of 87.5 per cent.
McFadden said wages were the sticking point in negotiations, but the new contract gives workers a pay increase of more than 20 per cent over the four years, improved benefits, a "substantial" signing bonus, and "corrected" holiday pay to get paid for all of the holiday time.
Workers are set to return to work either on Thursday or Friday, said McFadden.
He said eight days on the picket line was enough.
"It was tough. With the weather and everything else, our membership stood strong. They were very respectful at the picket line. I couldn't be prouder of my membership for holding that line and rising above everything. But it was difficult for all of them. I can't say enough how proud I am of this membership," said McFadden.
McFadden was hoping the strike wouldn't drag on too long, adding that he's very proud of his members for hanging in there.
"We've been hopeful since the first tentative agreement and through a lot of bargaining in the last 24 hours, the company and the union came to terms and the membership was very, very happy with the outcome," he said.
Workers went on strike on July 31, after Unifor Local 127 learned the company was planning to remove equipment and bring scab labour into the facility.
Workers rejected a tentative agreement on July 29, and Unifor then extended the strike deadline with hopes that Dajcor would return to the bargaining table with an improved wage package.