IAM members of Local Lodge 2332 voted to accept a new contract and end a 16-week strike at five Sault Ste. Marie Auto dealerships.

The Canadian local represents approximately 90 IAM automotive technicians, body shop, parts, garage and clerical workers, who plan to return to work today.

“We hung in there for four months,” said Rod Wismer, president of Local 2332. “We had a common goal and stuck to it, hanging on until the needs of the entire membership were addressed.”

Members ratified the accord by more than 80 percent after the dealership agreed to guaranteed weekly wages and full retroactive pay to the expiration date of the previous contact.

"When we talk directly to the public, we win,” said Dave Ritchie, Canadian General Vice-President. “We went to the community with our message and that's what turned the tide. We took out a full-page ad in the local newspaper, and then saturated the airwaves with radio ads. It was the best way to make sure that the community heard our side of the story."

SOURCE: Frank Saptel (416) 386-1789