Five and a half month strike over at

National Gypsum

About 80 members of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 721 voted to ratify a collective agreement and end the five and a half month strike with National Gypsum.

“This was a long and bitter fight with a large United States company with deep pockets that was out to break the union and its members, and the members stood strong,” said union spokesperson John Peterson. “National Gypsum had shown such disrespect for a hard-working, productive workforce by hiring scabs, security and spending millions of dollars to break these workers, but they did not succeed,” he added.

With the assistance of the government-appointed mediator, Milton Veinot, who continued to remain involved in this dispute, a proposal was worked out that was presented to the members for ratification.

“This was a very difficult position for the membership but the members gained a level of solidarity and unity that will last for years to come and it should send a message to National Gypsum for future negotiations.

“There was terrific support from the local community, the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour, the Nova Scotia Building Trades, and all unionized workers in this province and across the country who recognized the struggle of our members.

“This dispute has clearly set a path for all workers in this province to support anti-scab legislation,” said Peterson in conclusion.

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For more information, please call John Peterson – 902.865.8844.

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