Metro strike may now be over

There may be a deal in place for Metro workers who have been walking the picket lines for more than a month in search of higher pay and improved benefits, reports CBC Radio Canada.

Metro and Unifor, the union representing the more than 3,700 Metro workers from 27 stores in and around Toronto, have reached a tentative agreement that will have to be ratified by the employees, who have been on strike since July 29.

So far, the terms of the agreement have not been released.

Both sides returned to the negotiation table on Aug. 29 after picketers were ordered not to block trucks from leaving Metro distribution centers outside of Toronto.

“Our union was able to negotiate this new tentative agreement due to the unwavering commitment of our Metro grocery members who were united in their goal to improve their wages and working conditions,” said Unifor national president Lana Payne in a statement. “I commend the workers and the bargaining committee for their solidarity and also the customers who supported them during this difficult time.”

Metro is calling the deal “fair and equitable” and said Unifor’s bargaining committee unanimously recommended the terms of the agreement that could end the strike.

Pay has been the biggest sticking point, despite Metro offering what it has called the highest wage increase in decades. A tentative deal included a $3.75 per hour pay increase for full and senior part-time workers at the end of three years. Remaining part-time workers would receive a $2.65-an-hour boost. 

Related:VIDEO: Striking Metro workers target distribution centers

The deal also included paid sick leave for part-timers and increases to benefits and pensions. The workers, however, rejected that package and took to the picket lines.