I am relieved and happy to report that CAW Local 973 and Coca Cola have come to an agreement that both sides can live with. The vote was ratified early this afternoon, with 83% of the votes in favour of accepting the new deal. We gave up nothing that we were fighting so hard to protect, and we made significant improvements to providing and maintaining a safe working environment for employees.
We (the union, the employees, the families, other unions and individuals) fought hard, using Social Media as well as traditional strike methods, and this has made all the difference in the world. When you come together the way we have, anything, clearly, is possible.
I’m going to return to “regular programming” on my blog shortly. The posts I’ve made regarding this lockout, however, will remain on my website. So will the comments made on those posts, although I have just finished going over them and shortening actual employee names to initials. That was done solely to protect employees due to the strict social media policy Coca Cola has in place. I don’t work for Coke, and I am not governed by their mandates. The comments made on my website now belong to me. My husband posted nothing whatsoever to social media during this campaign, so he has not and will not violate any such policy. He chose instead to spend his time on the picket line in support of his fellow workers. My posts were mine alone.
A huge THANK YOU to the many other unions and individuals who came to our aid during the past 3 weeks. You recognized that our fight was also your fight, and the fight of all Middle Class Canadians, unionized or not. We could not have done this alone.
This battle is over, but the fight continues for thousands of other employees and families across the country. I hope that we have made and will continue to make a difference for you as well.
#Solidarity #Canadian #Cokestrike
See Also:
June 28, 2013: Coca Cola – Strike Action
June 30, 2013: Coca Cola forced strike; More info
July 02, 2013: Coca Cola Brampton Lock Out/Strike Continues
July 09, 2013: Coke Lockout Brampton. Still Going
July 19, 2013: Coca Cola Lockout in Brampton: Over (You are here)
Holy crap Jenn, I’m so happy for you guys!! I won’t ever buy another Coke product due to what we found out over the last few weeks, but I’m glad jobs and job security (if there is such a thing) were preserved.
I’ll be there to help any other Coke workers who get into the same situation in the future. I bet a lot of people feel that way.
That’s incredible Jenn! Must have been trying times. Glad it’s all over and your people got what they wanted.The strength in numbers so they say! Great!
Hank
Brothers and sisters of CAW973
Id like to extend my utmost heart felt thanks to all who “participated” these past few weeks. Although I knew a great deal of the people I was standing shoulder to shoulder and in the trenches with it also gave me the opportunity to meet a great deal of you. It humbles me to hear some of the stories from other locations, one in particular stands out in my mind.
A brother told a story today of himself being the only one manning the gate at the dominion warehouse, under urgency of security to leave, his resiliency stood strong and yes a one man picket line can get the job done. As for those who chose not to be a part of the last 3 weeks you are at a loss. Respect is earned not given.
As for the next time around Coca-Cola take notice you have done nothing more these past 3 weeks but make us stronger.
I’m Chris Sonnenburg and I’m a union member of CAW973 say it loud and be proud