Steelworkers ratify agreement leading to closure at Acument Global Technologies

http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/January2008/11/c8235.html

GANANOQUE, ON, Jan. 11 /CNW/ - United Steelworkers' (USW)

Ontario/Atlantic Director Wayne Fraser announced Friday that members of USW
Local 3222 have ratified a one-year agreement with Acument Global Technologies
that includes severance and benefit protection in advance of the plant's
anticipated phased closure later this year.

The agreement will provide two weeks pay per year of service to a maximum
of 52 weeks and continues benefits for the 63 employees for four months
following each employee's layoff.

"This plant, which makes fasteners for the automotive industry, has been
a long-time employer in the community," said Fraser. "Some employees have more
than 30 years service. Although the severance package is decent, it does not
replace the good-paying unionized jobs that will be lost to the community. It
is another in a long and growing list of job losses in Ontario."

Fraser said that at least the company opened the door to discuss
severance well in advance of closure, unlike other area companies like Mahle
Engine Components, "which sneaked out of town in the middle of the night,
leaving employees to be greeted by a padlocked plant the morning after".

The USW is Canada's most diverse union, representing more than 280,000
men and women working in every sector of Canada's economy.


For further information: Peggy McComb (USW Area Coordinator), (613)
546-1177